QPS officers ride to Canberra to remember their fallen mates

A large contingent of police motorcycle riders will leave the Queensland Police Service Academy this afternoon to join more than 2,000 others as part of the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance.

As part of the ride, a group representing each Australian policing jurisdiction travels with a baton from their capital city to Canberra for a special memorial service.

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller and Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski were on hand today to present the Queensland baton to Road Policing Command Inspector Peter Flanders, who formed part of the official QPS baton party.

“The Wall to Wall Ride is an opportunity to remember those police officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice and fallen in the line of duty,” Minister Miller said.

“The Ride has become an important part of commemorations in the lead up to National Police Remembrance Day and it is an honour to be here today to wish the Queensland contingent as they begin their journey to the National Police Memorial in Canberra.

“The ride promotes safe and responsible motorcycle riding while also raising awareness and money for Australian Police Legacy.”

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said this is the sixth year this the event has been run.

“Each baton has been engraved with each jurisdiction’s emblem alongside the Wall to Wall Ride logo. The baton has a hollow centre which contains a scroll bearing the names of any officer who has died in the line of duty in the past year,” Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.

“Thankfully this year, the Queensland baton will be empty and will remain a tribute to the memories of our fallen officers from years past.”

Commissioner Ian Stewart will join the official QPS group as a rider on the last leg of the journey, from Sydney to Canberra.

Minister Miller will greet the Queensland contingent as they arrive in Canberra on Saturday.

National Police Remembrance Day is on September 29.

The Brisbane service will take place at St John’s Cathedral from 10am.

[ENDS] September 9

Media contact: Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office) 0438 696 185

Police Media (3015 2444)