July 3, 2023
The bravery of a police officer shot at during an investigation more than 30 years ago was recognised in a small ceremony at Kingaroy Police Station on Monday morning.
Mr Glenn Teske retired from the QPS in 1995, just two years after an armed man fired a solid shotgun slug in his direction, missing him by centimetres.
After retiring from the QPS, Mr Teske turned his hand to other activities – including working with Powerlink and various resources companies – before retiring to be close to family in the South Burnett.
Superintendent Douglas McDonald, the District Officer for the Darling Downs Police District, travelled from Toowoomba to present Mr Teske with the Queensland Police Valour Medal.
Mr Teske also received the QPS Medal and clasp and the National Police Medal, for 15 years diligent and ethical service.
Supt McDonald read out the commendation from Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll PSM (see below).
Queensland Police Union of Employees vice-president Shane Prior praised Mr Teske’s actions on that fateful day.
“Glenn Teske had rounds fired at him, he returned fire, protected his colleagues and successfully detained an offender,” Mr Prior said.
“His actions were textbook. This incident could have been a tragedy. A few more millimetres difference and we could have had multiple officers injured or murdered.
“We are proud of you. Your family is proud of you and I hope this award will have pride of place in your home.”
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Mr Teske’s commendation read:
On 30 January 1993, Mr Glenn Teske (then a Detective Sergeant) from Mareeba Stock Investigation Squad and Assistant Commissioner Maurice Carless (then a Detective Senior Constable) of the Mareeba Criminal Investigation Branch attended an address at Silver Valley to investigate a suspected deprivation of liberty and other offences.
This location was an isolated, complex rural property containing a farmhouse, two adjacent caravans and a trailer.
Due to the high-risk nature of this investigation, the officers attended this location with Special Emergency Response Ream member Senior Sergeant Ivan Brodie.
The officers moved through bushland adjacent to the farmhouse in search of an armed offender.
Assistant Commissioner Carless was confronted by the offender who raised a shotgun towards him and discharged two rounds.
The second discharge was so close the displacement of air caused instant hearing loss in Assistant Commissioner Carless’ left ear.
Whilst taking evasive action, Assistant Commissioner Carless sustained numerous bodily injuries.
Despite his pain and hearing loss, he remained vigilant of his surroundings and was able to recover his rifle to return defensive shots to protect himself and his colleagues,
The offender then fired a shot directly at Mr Teske, who saw the muzzle flash from the offender’s weapon and heard the impact of the round as it landed behind him.
Mr Teske sought cover and despite the clear threat to his own safety maintained verbal contact with the offender.
The offender did not immediately respond to police commands and remained concealed behind a small bush.
Believing the offender intended to continue shooting, Mr Teske discharged a round in the offender’s direction and provided direct and heavily emphasised verbal instructions to the offender, leading to the offender eventually surrendering to the officers.
For their exceptional bravery when confronted with a violent armed offender, Mr Teske and Assistant Commissioner Carless are awarded the Queensland Police Valour Medal.
– Katerina Carroll APM, Commissioner
Proud of the recognition of former Detective Sergent Glenn Teske being awarded the Queensland Police Valour Medal and National Police Medal. More frequently than most would appreciate, our police officers are confronted with challenging and life-threatening situations whilst performing their duties. Thanks to Glenn Teske for his act of bravery whilst serving in Mareeba. Continual support to all policemen and policewomen for the way they carry out their respective roles in preserving law and order.