September 29, 2021
Police officers from across the South Burnett, their family members and supporters gathered in Nanango on Wednesday to mark National Police Remembrance Day.
A non-denominational service was held at the Nanango Catholic Church to honour the 148 police officers who have lost their lives on duty in Queensland since 1861.
National Police Remembrance Day falls on September 29 each year.
Commemorative services are held throughout Queensland and Australia. In the South Burnett, different towns host a service every year.
The Nanango service was led by Police Chaplain John Selwood and local Catholic priest Fr Chukwudi Chinaka.
The service began with a Flag ceremony and the National Anthem.
Prayers were said and the Police Ode was recited.
The death in June this year of Senior Constable David Masters, from Deception Bay station, added extra poignancy to this year’s event.
Snr Const Masters, 53, was attempting to stop an allegedly stolen car on the Bruce Highway when he was struck and killed. Two women have been charged with murder over the incident.
Snr Const Masters’ name has been added to the Queensland Police Service Honour Roll.
National Police Remembrance Day also honours all police officers, retired officers, and staff members from across Australia who have died in the past 12 months
Speaking at a service in Brisbane, Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said it was an important day for the families, friends and colleagues of officers who had died.
“The death of an officer is felt deeply – by their families and friends, and also by their colleagues, members of the police family and the wider community,” Commissioner Carroll said.
“Today, we pause and reflect on the memories of those officers who have died too soon, from those who passed in the early days of the Queensland Police Service to those who have only recently left us.”
Also especially remembered this year were the 10-year anniversary of Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding, who was shot dead during an armed robbery in Pacific Pines in 2011; and the 20-year anniversary of Senior Constable David Shean, who died when his police motorcycle and a truck collided on Logan Road at Eight Mile Plains in 2001.
It was a sincere, heart warming and respectful remembrance service held in the majestic and beautiful ‘Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church’ Nanango.