The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has joined communities across the state to commemorate Anzac Day, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation.
Among those being honoured on this national day of remembrance are the 30 brave QPS officers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I (WWI).
Dedicated to serving their country, the 30 officers were among 174 QPS officers identified as serving in the Australian Imperial Force and joining other Australians fighting in WWI.
Their courage and selflessness embody the values of service and commitment that continue to guide QPS today.
Among the fallen QPS officers, Patrick James Moynihan (1888-1915) sadly lost his life at Gallipoli on 25 April, the day we know now as Anzac Day.
Four others died 110 years ago on the Somme battlefields in France: Constable Wiliam Edwin Bishop (1891-1916), Constable John Deevy (1870-1916), Constable George Dewhurst (1893-1916) and Constable Alexander Price (1885-1916).
Constable Bishop was an officer from the Brisbane Region, Constable Deevy served in Rockhampton, Constable Dewhurst was based at Mungana, in the Far Northern Region and Constable Price served at McKinlay, near Mount Isa.
Tragically, Constables Bishop and Dewhurst died on the same day, on the same Somme battlefield, in November 1916. Constable Dewhurst was also a Gallipoli veteran.
Acting Police Commissioner Brett Pointing said Anzac Day was a time to remember the extraordinary bravery and selflessness of those who served in war.
"Anzac Day presents a significant opportunity to reflect on the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of our service men and women, as we continue to honour their legacy today," Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
"For the Queensland Police Service, it is also a time to remember our own, including the 30 QPS officers who served in World War I and never returned. May we continue to honour their memory, uphold their values, and strive for a safer society.
"Anzac Day is a time for all of us to come together as a community to honour the service and sacrifices made, and to ensure the legacy of the Anzac spirit continues to inspire future generations."
The QPS also honoured the fallen officers during a recent Graduation ceremony, where Acting Assistant Commissioner Shane Holmes and Police Chaplain Kylie Thomas laid a wreath in their honour.
To ensure the continued recognition of their sacrifice and legacy, the names of the 30 QPS officers who lost their lives while serving in WWI are permanently commemorated at Queensland Police Headquarters on Roma Street in Brisbane.
QPS officers are participating in Anzac Day ceremonies across Queensland today, including dawn services, marches, and wreath-laying ceremonies.
In Brisbane, Acting Police Commissioner Pointing paid tribute to all Anzacs in the official Anzac Day Dawn Service by laying a wreath at the Shrine of Remembrance in Anzac Square, and will also attend the Anzac Parade in Brisbane City.
We remember them all.
With honour, they served.
Lest we forget
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
