Acting Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Acting Minister for Fire and Emergency Services the Honourable Mark Furner MP, joined Commissioner Katarina Carroll to pause and pay tribute to fallen Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers in honour of National Police Remembrance Day at a candlelight vigil last night.
The vigil was held at the Police Memorial in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, where serving police sat alongside the families of officers killed as a result of their duty.
The sombre event, lit by the glow of candlelight, is an honoured tradition on the eve of National Police Remembrance Day.
Today, Commissioner Carroll joined fellow officers for the first National Police Remembrance Day march in Brisbane since 2019.
"The importance of us as a Service coming together to recognise the greatest sacrifice that can be made by our colleagues cannot be overlooked," she said.
"September 29 is a very important date in our calendar to pause, honour and remember as well as thank those police officers whose lives have been lost in the line of duty."
As she paused to remember those who have fallen, Commissioner Carroll also acknowledged the inherent risk faced by police officers every day as they come to work facing uncertainty for what the coming shift may bring.
"Each year I have the same wish, just as you all, that no further names are added to the Police Remembrance Honour Roll," she said.
"On behalf of the Queensland Police Service, I would like to acknowledge the families, friends and colleagues who are with us today.
"Our thoughts are with you and I hope that you find some comfort from our blue family today.
"National Police Remembrance Day not only honours those who have lost their lives in the line of duty but also recognises the commitment, dedication and bravery of all past, present and future police officers."
Acting Police Minister Furner said he was honoured to continue the tradition of lighting a candle for the eternal memory of fallen officers.
"Since the first QPS officer was killed in the line of duty in 1861, there are now 148 officers whose names appear on the Police Memorial," Mr Furner said.
"I am proud we have come together as a community to pay tribute to their work, courage, commitment, loyalty and dedication.
"By continuing this tradition, we make it known to these officers and their loved ones that they are not - nor will they ever be - forgotten for their sacrifice.
"And today, I also thank the Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers for their unwavering commitment to this cause.
"It was the Union and Ian's initiative to create a modern Queensland Police Memorial, where we are able to gather and pay our respects on important days such as today."
Mr Leavers said Police Remembrance Day is a solemn day.
"Today, we honour those who gave everything protecting our community," Mr Leavers said.
"We gave a commitment to forever remember the sacrifice and never forget the names of our colleagues, mates and friends who have died.
"Today is also important for the families left behind as they carry the burden of loss forever. The State Police Memorial has become a beautiful place in the Botanic Gardens to reflect and remember."
2022 marks the anniversary of the deaths of the following police officers:
30 years
- In 1992, Constable Sondra Lena died after being struck by a motor vehicle while on traffic duty on the Bruce Highway near Rockhampton.
40 years
- Senior Constable Robert Moody was killed in a traffic crash near Wullumbilla in 1982.
50 years
- In 1972, Senior Constable Graham Ball was killed instantly when his police car plunged 60 feet off the road and into a creek bed near Rockhampton.
60 years
- Constable Douglas Wrembeck of the Brisbane Traffic Branch was killed in a hit and run in 1962
- Constable First Class Gregory Olive of Kelvin Grove Police Station was shot and killed while investigating a neighbourhood dispute in 1962.
70 years
- In 1952, Constable James Ward collapsed and died from a heart attack on his way to work at Woolloongabba.
120 years
- Constable George Doyle was killed in 1902, shot by fugitives at Lethbridge Pocket (Upper Warrego).
150 years
- In 1872, Constable Abraham Wood was bitten by a snake while on gold escort duty at Glendhu, west of Cardwell.
Blue ribbons and memorial pins are available from police stations around Queensland for a small donation to Queensland Police Legacy and Community Supporting Police. Further information on National Police Remembrance Day is available at https://www.police.qld.gov.au/national-police-remembrance-day.
With Honour They Served.
