Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services, The Hon. Mark Ryan MP and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart today paused to pay tribute to the 145 fallen Queensland Police Service Officers on National Police Remembrance Day, Queensland Police say.
At a service held at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen in Brisbane, Commissioner Stewart highlighted the inherent risks faced by police officers every day as they provide for the safety and security of Queensland and acknowledged the tireless work of all QPS members, across a diverse state.
"Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice as we honour their memories on National Police Remembrance Day," Commissioner Stewart said.
"The QPS operates 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year; and we have at least 15,000 interactions with the public every day, with each police officer swearing an oath to protect and serve the community," Commissioner Stewart said
"There are times however, when no matter how dedicated, committed and courageous our officers are, they face unbeatable odds.
"Police Remembrance Day not only allows us to pay tribute to such officers but it presents an opportunity to recognise the bravery and dedication of past and present officers.
"Tragically this year, we lost Senior Constable Brett Forte. I know his loss will still be raw for many of his family, friends and colleagues and today will stir those emotions once again.
"We will keep his memory alive and continue to support his family."
This year also marks the anniversary of the deaths of the following police officers, whom we honour and remember:
- 10 years since Constable Brett Irwin of the Ferny Grove Police Station was shot when serving a warrant at a Keperra home on July 18, 2007.
- 20 years since Sergeant Leonard Hooper of the Fortitude Valley Criminal Investigation Branch was killed by an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound during a property raid in Herston on August 3, 1997.
- 30 years since Senior Constable Peter Kidd of the Tactical Response Group was shot in a raid in Virginia, Brisbane on July 29, 1987.
- 30 years since Senior Constable Ashley P. Anderson of Broadbeach Police Station was killed in a traffic incident at Carrara on June 26, 1987.
- 30 years since Senior Constable Paul A. Wegner of Brisbane Mobile Patrol was killed in a traffic incident at Deagon on December 28, 1987.
- 40 years since Inspector James M. Walsh of Moorooka Police Station collapsed and died of a heart attack while involved in a scuffle at Camp Hill on May 25, 1977.
- 40 years since Constable 1/c Robin E. Seefeld was killed in a traffic incident at Bundaberg on July 25, 1977.
- 50 years since Senior Sergeant James O’Hara of Woolloongabba Police Station collapsed and died while making an arrest at South Brisbane on May 27, 1967.
- 60 years since Constable Leslie Smith of Fortitude Valley Police Station was killed in a traffic incident at Goodna on December 6, 1957.
- 70 years since Constable Douglas Nicol of Ipswich Police Station died in hospital after sustaining injuries in a riding accident.
- 70 years since Sergeant 1/c Arthur Neden of Redbank Police Station collapsed and died after a struggle during an arrest at Redbank.
- 120 years since Constable Richard Roots of Coen Police Station was killed in a mine tunnel collapse on September 25, 1897.
- 130 years since Senior Constable William Considine of Arrilalah Police Station died from injuries sustained from a horse riding accident on February 18, 1887.
- 150 years since Constable Patrick Cahill and Constable John Power were shot and robbed during the execution of their duties at the Mackenzie River crossing.
This year marks 100 years since the deaths of six officers who died on active service during the First World War, we remember:
- Sergeant Peter Mulvie
- Lance Corporal Archibald J. Curvey
- Private Henry M. McLean
- Private John Graham
- Corporal Oswald H. Goodrich
- 2nd Lieutenant Patrick Devine
In addition, Sergeant 1/c Theodore Reinhold Herman was added to the honour roll this year. He died in 1950 while arresting multiple offenders.
Blue ribbons are available from any police station for a small donation and the proceeds will go towards charities, Queensland Police Legacy and Community Supporting Police.
