Fallen officers honoured in candlelight vigil

• National Police Remembrance Day candlelight vigils held across Queensland to remember officers killed in the line of duty.
• National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity for the community to pay their respect to officers who have died over the past 160 years.
• The vigil was held at the Police Memorial in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, where serving police sat alongside the families of officers killed as a result of their duty.

Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers, families and friends have come together to honour fallen QPS members on the eve of National Police Remembrance Day at candlelight vigils held across the state. 

Premier Steven Miles and Police Minister Mark Ryan joined the Acting Commissioner of Police Shane Chelepy for the annual National Police Remembrance Day candlelight vigil in Brisbane.

The Queensland Police Memorial in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens was lit by the soft glow of candlelight as attendees paused to honour and reflect on the selfless devotion of fallen police officers.

This year, the Acting Commissioner and seven families lit candles as each fallen officer’s name was read.

Fallen QPS officers, including Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, who died in December 2022 at Wieambilla and David Masters, who died in June 2021 were remembered.

The sacrifice of officers from across Australia was also recognised, including Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, Sergeant Peter Stone and Senior Constable Glen Murray, who will be added to the National Police Memorial in Canberra this year.

The QPS recognises the profound impacts of recently losing Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen while participating in the Wall to Wall remembrance ride.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Tonight, we remember not just police officers but loved ones, friends, family members and respected colleagues.

“To the family members who are here tonight, I extend the condolences of all Queenslanders.

“Your loved ones have displayed tremendous bravery in their duty to protect and serve Queensland.

“It is my solemn privilege to join the Queensland Police Service in honouring their fallen officers. Their sacrifice has immeasurably shaped this great state.”

Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:

“On the eve of National Police Remembrance Day, we reflect on the courage, dedication, and bravery of our past, present and future police officers. Their commitment ensures we are all able to feel safe in our community.

“The candlelight vigil is a tradition to help us remember those who have lost their lives in the service of their community. But we should take every opportunity, not just tonight, to remember the dedication of our officers.

“Each officer we remember was a hero. Their legacy will live on and never be forgotten.

“It is my sombre privilege to be standing here tonight alongside family members of Queensland’s heroes in blue.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy:

“Each year we aspire for no more names to be added to the wall,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.

“We pause to remember the significant contribution our fallen police officer’s made to Queensland and acknowledge the impact their loss has on the QPS, their family, friends and communities.

“I also recognise the recent loss of Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen and the outpour of support from the Gold Coast community which is a testament to his character during his 28 years of service. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.” 

Further information:

• Candlelight vigils are being hosted around Queensland this evening, in memory of all police officers who have lost their lives and in a unified show of support to those left behind.
• Blue ribbons and memorial pins are available from police stations across Queensland for a small donation to Queensland Police Legacy and Community Supporting Police.
• Further information on National Police Remembrance Day is available at https://www.police.qld.gov.au/national-police-remembrance-day

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444