September 27, 2024
The South Burnett marked National Police Remembrance Day on Friday with a small service at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Kingaroy.
The annual commemoration rotates every year between different towns and religious denominations in the region.
Friday’s service was led by Police Chaplain John Selwood and Kumbia office-in-charge Senior Constable Todd Armstrong.
Serving and retired police officers and their family members were joined in the congregation by community members and South Burnett councillors.
Acting Superintendent Scott Stahlhut, Darling Downs District, read the Commissioner of Police’s address, noting that 150 officers had lost their lives in the line of service in the 160-year history of the Queensland Police.
“Today we stand in honour to ensure their memories never fade,” Acting Supt Stahlhut said.
Special mention was made of Gold Coast officer Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen who died while participating in the Wall-to-Wall remembrance ride earlier this year.
The deaths of Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, who died in December 2022 at Wieambilla, and Senior Constable David Masters, who died in June 2021 were also remembered, as well as officers who had lost their lives this year in South Australia, Western Australia, NSW and the Northern Territory.
Wreaths were laid before guests were invited to attend a morning tea in St Mary’s Hall.
[UPDATED]