Published Wednesday, 18 July, 2007 at 01:23 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
NEW POLICE VESSEL NAMED IN HONOUR OF FALLEN OFFICER
A Queensland Police Service officer who was killed in a car crash last year has been honoured with a new police vessel named after him.
Police Minister Judy Spence commissioned the Stewart Kerlin at a ceremony at Redland Bay today.
“Detective Sergeant Kerlin was killed in a car crash in New South Wales while on duty in November last year,” Ms Spence said.
“It is only fitting that he be honoured, with the launch of this new vessel that will patrol our waters and keep Queenslanders safe.”
Queensland Police Service Commissioner Bob Atkinson said Detective Sergeant Kerlin had a decorated career with the service.
“Detective Sergeant Kerlin was inducted into the service on February 8, 1985 and served Queensland for 21 years and at the time of the crash was on his way to Sydney as part of a paedophilia investigation for Task Force Argos,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
“He spent the majority of his working life serving the community of Queensland, protecting those who were most vulnerable and at risk. His high level of work was recognised with the awarding of three Assistant Commissioner’s Certificates to him during his career.”
Ms Spence said the new vessel will improve police response capabilities in the Wynnum Police District.
“The Stewart Kerlin can transport two police vehicles and up to 20 officers anywhere in its patrol area of south Moreton Bay, including the Brisbane and Logan Rivers.”
“It can also respond quickly with a maximum speed of over 25 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots.
“With more than 9,000 recreational boats registered in the Redland Shire alone, this vessel will have the technology to adequately patrol the waterways.
“On-board features include breath testing facilities, an online computer with access to QPS systems and the ability to operate as a command post or detention area in the event of demonstrations on the Brisbane River.”
Commissioner Atkinson said the Stewart Kerlin is replacing another vessel, the J F Power, which was also named after an officer killed while on duty.
“The J F Power has served the district for eight years and its replacement by the Stewart Kerlin represents an upgrade in terms of size and state-of-the-art technology,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
Detective Sergeant Kerlin’s widow Evelyn Kerlin took part in the vessel’s naming ceremony.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287
Police Media: 3015 2444
Police Minister Judy Spence commissioned the Stewart Kerlin at a ceremony at Redland Bay today.
“Detective Sergeant Kerlin was killed in a car crash in New South Wales while on duty in November last year,” Ms Spence said.
“It is only fitting that he be honoured, with the launch of this new vessel that will patrol our waters and keep Queenslanders safe.”
Queensland Police Service Commissioner Bob Atkinson said Detective Sergeant Kerlin had a decorated career with the service.
“Detective Sergeant Kerlin was inducted into the service on February 8, 1985 and served Queensland for 21 years and at the time of the crash was on his way to Sydney as part of a paedophilia investigation for Task Force Argos,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
“He spent the majority of his working life serving the community of Queensland, protecting those who were most vulnerable and at risk. His high level of work was recognised with the awarding of three Assistant Commissioner’s Certificates to him during his career.”
Ms Spence said the new vessel will improve police response capabilities in the Wynnum Police District.
“The Stewart Kerlin can transport two police vehicles and up to 20 officers anywhere in its patrol area of south Moreton Bay, including the Brisbane and Logan Rivers.”
“It can also respond quickly with a maximum speed of over 25 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots.
“With more than 9,000 recreational boats registered in the Redland Shire alone, this vessel will have the technology to adequately patrol the waterways.
“On-board features include breath testing facilities, an online computer with access to QPS systems and the ability to operate as a command post or detention area in the event of demonstrations on the Brisbane River.”
Commissioner Atkinson said the Stewart Kerlin is replacing another vessel, the J F Power, which was also named after an officer killed while on duty.
“The J F Power has served the district for eight years and its replacement by the Stewart Kerlin represents an upgrade in terms of size and state-of-the-art technology,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
Detective Sergeant Kerlin’s widow Evelyn Kerlin took part in the vessel’s naming ceremony.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287
Police Media: 3015 2444