Commissioner Stewart, Superintendent Dale Frieberg, Senior Sergeant Simon Tayler and Minister Mark Ryan turn the soil at the new Police Memorial sit, Queensland Police saye
Police Minister Mark Ryan joined Commissioner Ian Stewart today to mark the historic turning of the soil at the new Queensland Police Memorial site in the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens.
Minister Ryan said the memorial, located in the heart of the State’s capital, will serve as a symbolic place of reflection for Queenslanders to remember the service of our fallen officers for many years to come.
"Today we meet at the site of the future Police Memorial to mark a historic milestone for this important project," Minister Ryan said.
"Our community is made safer every day by the men and women of the Queensland Police Service and it is only fitting to acknowledge those who made the ultimate sacrifice to the community to be honoured in this way.
Construction has now formally commenced at the site which will serve as an important ceremonial location, where fallen members can be publicly honoured.
The site will also serve as the future location for the candlelight vigils that are held on the eve of National Police Remembrance Day in September each year.
Minister Ryan and Commissioner Stewart paid tribute to the Queensland Police Union which started the nation’s first ever Police Remembrance Day, was instrumental in the construction of the first memorial near the Executive Building on George St in 2003 and has been a tireless advocate and generous financial contributor to the new memorial.
Commissioner Stewart said the soil turning ceremony was another milestone for the relocation of the Queensland Police Memorial.
"Today marks the official construction phase of the new Police Memorial and is an important and historic occasion for our Service," Commissioner Stewart said.
"This site will serve as an important symbol to the community that honours the service and sacrifice of our fallen officers."
