September 28, 2012
Police officers from across the South Burnett gathered at the Kumbia Anglican Church this afternoon to honour fallen colleagues on National Police Remembrance Day.
They were supported by local councillors, Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, and many local residents.
Superintendent Chris Sang, from Gympie District Office, read a message from Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson praising the dedication of the men and women of the Queensland Police who risk their lives every day.
All serving police officers, staff members and retired officers who have died since the 2011 National Police Remembrance Day were also acknowledged.
Special acknowledgement was also made of those from the Gympie district who in the past have served as officers: Snr Sgt Leigh Robb (Kingaroy), Sgt Russell Wendt (Nanango), Snr Sgt Phil Edwards (Kilkivan), Sgt (Ret) Matt Cranitch (Wondai) and Snr Sgt (Ret) Graham Pollock (Wondai).
During the past 12 months, a total of five police officers from across all Australian jurisdictions and the jurisdictions of the South-West Pacific Region have been killed in the line of duty:
- Snr Constable David James Rixon (NSW), and
- Const Elmes Travertz, Snr Insp Charles Parinjo, Sgt John Negeripa and Const Justine Wamahombi (PNG)
