New police vessel honours slain officer

Families enjoying the summer weather on the waterways and coast of Townsville will be safer following the commissioning of a new police vessel.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the new craft was being named in the memory of fallen Brisbane officer Brett Irwin.

“The Queensland Government has a strong plan to keep communities safe along our coast and we are proud to be delivering the second of three new police vessels,” Mr Dempsey said.

“The Brett Irwin will initially operate in Brisbane during the G20 as a command post and then be deployed to full-time operations in Townsville.

“The vessel is named after Constable Brett Andrew Irwin, who served with the QPS from December 2005 until his tragic death in the line of duty on July 18, 2007.

“Prior to joining the police, Brett had proudly served for eight years with the ADF.

“His memory within the Queensland Police Service family will never be forgotten and this lasting tribute will support his fellow officers well into the future.”

Member for Townsville John Hathaway said the Brett Irwin would support the dedicated work of the officers in Townsville.

“The Brett Irwin will serve our diverse coastal community as they enjoy days on the water in Cleveland Bay and out to Magnetic Island,” Mr Hathaway said.

“The LNP Government is continuing to achieve better outcomes and frontline services in Townsville and the addition of a new police vessel will build on that.

“Brett Irwin served his nation as part of the Australian Army and his state as a police officer, now a lasting tribute to his memory will serve the proud garrison city of Townsville.”

Commissioner Ian Stewart said the first of the three new vessels was already in service in Cairns and the third craft would be commissioned and sent to the Whitsundays by the end of the year.

 “In times of disasters or major events these can be deployed as mobile command posts and as floating police stations,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“These vessels are enhanced by modern electronics and significantly increase the capabilities of the Water Police.”

The vessels are approximately 24 metres in length, their service speed is 20 knots and they have provision to launch a six metre rigid inflatable boat (RIB) from aft of the vessel.

“Our police officers will be able to stay at sea over extended periods for patrol and other duties due to the design and layout of these vessels,” said Commissioner Stewart.

[ENDS] 29 October 2014     

Media Contacts:  Andrew Kos 0408 912 821