MINISTER TO ATTEND VIGIL TO REMEMBER FALLEN POLICE OFFICERS
Published Thursday, 27 September, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence has urged Queenslanders to take a moment this week to remember the 137 police officers who have died while serving their community, in the lead up to National Police Remembrance Day this Saturday 29 September.
Ms Spence will attend a Candlelight Vigil at the Queensland Police Service memorial in Brisbane’s CBD tonight and a National Police Remembrance Day ceremony on the Gold Coast tomorrow.
“This year’s Remembrance Day will be a particularly sombre event in Queensland, after the death of two officers Detective Sergeant Stewart Kerlin and Constable Brett Irwin in the last 12 months,” Ms Spence said.
“Detective Sergeant Kerlin from Taskforce Argos, part of the Child Safety and Sexual Crime Group, was killed in November last year. He had been travelling as part of an ongoing investigation when he was killed in a traffic crash at Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.
“Constable Irwin, from Ferny Grove Police Station, was fatally shot while attending a Keperra residence to serve an arrest warrant on July 18.
“The tragic loss of these men in the line of duty is a reminder to us all of the constant dangers our police are faced with, as they undertake their day to day activities to protect the public of Queensland.”
Ms Spence encouraged the community to wear a blue ribbon as a mark of respect to police.
“Blue ribbons are available from any police station free of charge, but donations are accepted and will go towards the Queensland Police Legacy and Community Supporting Policing charities.”
“I also encourage the community to take part in Candlelight vigils, marches and church services, being held across the state in honour of the fallen.
“Police officers often place themselves in danger to protect the safety and security of the communities they serve and in 137 cases police have paid the ultimate price while performing their duties.
“We should all be grateful for the sacrifices they make, playing this important and sometimes dangerous role in our society.”
Ms Spence said police in Brisbane will tomorrow march from Police Headquarters in Roma St to the Cathedral of St Stephen’s where a Remembrance Day ceremony will be held.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287.
Ms Spence will attend a Candlelight Vigil at the Queensland Police Service memorial in Brisbane’s CBD tonight and a National Police Remembrance Day ceremony on the Gold Coast tomorrow.
“This year’s Remembrance Day will be a particularly sombre event in Queensland, after the death of two officers Detective Sergeant Stewart Kerlin and Constable Brett Irwin in the last 12 months,” Ms Spence said.
“Detective Sergeant Kerlin from Taskforce Argos, part of the Child Safety and Sexual Crime Group, was killed in November last year. He had been travelling as part of an ongoing investigation when he was killed in a traffic crash at Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.
“Constable Irwin, from Ferny Grove Police Station, was fatally shot while attending a Keperra residence to serve an arrest warrant on July 18.
“The tragic loss of these men in the line of duty is a reminder to us all of the constant dangers our police are faced with, as they undertake their day to day activities to protect the public of Queensland.”
Ms Spence encouraged the community to wear a blue ribbon as a mark of respect to police.
“Blue ribbons are available from any police station free of charge, but donations are accepted and will go towards the Queensland Police Legacy and Community Supporting Policing charities.”
“I also encourage the community to take part in Candlelight vigils, marches and church services, being held across the state in honour of the fallen.
“Police officers often place themselves in danger to protect the safety and security of the communities they serve and in 137 cases police have paid the ultimate price while performing their duties.
“We should all be grateful for the sacrifices they make, playing this important and sometimes dangerous role in our society.”
Ms Spence said police in Brisbane will tomorrow march from Police Headquarters in Roma St to the Cathedral of St Stephen’s where a Remembrance Day ceremony will be held.
Media Contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287.