Queensland Police Service (QPS) members have joined other policing and motorcycle communities from across the country, to participate in the annual Wall to Wall Ride in honour of all police officers who have fallen in the line of duty.
During this year's ride, participants will pause to remember Constable Keith Smith from Tasmania Police who tragically lost his life in the past year.
His name will be formally added to the National Police Memorial in Canberra, ensuring his service and sacrifice is never forgotten.
We also hold Victorian Police officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart closely in our thoughts and hearts.
Queensland officers will also be remembering our own colleague, Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen, who sadly passed away off-duty during last year's ride.
The national Wall to Wall event was established in 2009 to serve as a powerful reminder of the officers who paid the ultimate price, and also raise vital funds for Police Legacy.
Since its establishment, the event has raised $1.7 million nationally, with the funds providing care and financial support for the families of fallen officers.
The ride brings together more than 2,000 motorcyclist from every state and territory including off-duty officers, retired members, family and friends, who converge in Canberra at the National Police Memorial to honour fallen colleagues.
Each jurisdiction carries with them the Commissioner's Baton, as a visual reminder that the sacrifice of those who have fallen, will never be forgotten.
Introduced in 2011, the Commissioner's Baton is a hand-crafted wooden style classical police accoutrement which symbolises the solidarity of the policing community, engraved with each jurisdiction's Service logo, the Wall to Wall Ride logo and the wording 'We remember them'.
Each baton has a hollow centre which contains a scroll sealed within, that bears the names of any serving police officers from their state who were tragically taken in that calendar year.
Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy said this year's ride is a powerful reminder of the strength of the policing community and the risks police officers face every day in their unwavering dedication to community safety.
"Every kilometre travelled is in tribute to our colleagues who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
"This year Queensland Police will ride with Tasmania and Victoria Police firmly in our hearts, and in solidarity with our policing colleagues and loved ones during this time of loss.
"This ride is not only a tribute to fallen officers but a promise to the families that they too are remembered and will forever remain a part of our community."
Inspector Bradyn Murphy, who is participating in Wall to Wall, said he felt humbled to ride today with people who shared the same commitment to remember fallen colleagues.
"Even in the first hours of the ride, the thought of why we're riding keeps you focused and grounded," Inspector Murphy said.
"The sense of connection and camaraderie on the road is something you can't experience anywhere else.
"Each rider carries not just themselves, but the memory of those we honour, across every kilometre."
For the policing community, the Wall to Wall Ride has become a powerful tradition.
It not only brings officers from across the country together, it also leads into National Police Remembrance Day on 29 September, where services will take place across Queensland and the country.
For more information, visit https://walltowallride.com.
