Friday 29 September is National Police Remembrance Day and our police paused today to pay tribute to the 145 fallen Queensland Police
Service Officers.
At a service held at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen in Brisbane's CBD, Police Commissioner Ian
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,”
“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.
(Source and photo credit : Neighbourhood Watch Queensland blog article posted Sep 29, 2017 @ 2:22pm)
