Flags at half-mast, tributes flow on Fraser Coast for slain Tara police officers

The Wide Bay’s top cop has paid tribute to the police officers who were tragically killed in a horror shootout on the Darling Downs, while emergency services across the Fraser Coast fly flags at half-mast.

Emergency services on the Fraser Coast have paid tribute to two police officers who were tragically killed in a horror shooting on the Darling Downs overnight.

Flags at the Hervey Bay and Maryborough police stations were flying at half-mast on Tuesday in respect of the fallen officers.

Maryborough’s City Hall and a row of tree along the Esplanade at Pialba were lit up blue to pay tribute to the lives of the two officers.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council office in Hervey Bay also had flags at half-mast, as well as the Maryborough Fire Station.

Maryborough City Hall lit up blue in memory of the two slain officers.

Wide Bay Superintendent Anne Vogler said the police community was mourning the loss of the two officers.

“We are all mourning the loss of our murdered colleagues in the Western Downs,” she said.

“This tragic loss brings home the reality of policing.

“It is a time for all the QPS family to come together to support each other and the officers family and friends through this difficult time.

The flag was flown at half-mast at the Hervey Bay Police Station on Tuesday, December 13.

Flags flown at half-mast at the Maryborough Police Station.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank the public for reaching out.

“All stations across the District have received flowers, cards and messages of condolences.

“Your messages and actions have provided some comfort, thank you.”

Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were killed in an execution-style ambush at a Wieambilla property, south of Chinchilla, about 4.40pm on Monday.

The young police officers, who were stationed at Tara, were killed at the property while Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk both managed to escape the gunmen.

Flags were also flown at half-mast at the Maryborough Fire Station.

Constable Brough was hunted through bushland by the offenders, and Constable Kirk suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

A man from a neighbouring property at Wieambilla was also killed.

Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien, a former police officer, said the tragic repercussions from the violence was being felt throughout the policing family and the wider community.

“The tragic and distressing events that occurred last night in Wieambilla where two police officers were murdered in an horrific attack has resounded through the Australian community.” he said.

“An innocent neighbour was also brutally killed and two other young police officers suffered physical and mental injuries that will impact them for the rest of their lives.

“There has been an outpouring of condemnation for the perpetrators and support for the police service and the important and risky job they do on our behalf.

Australians are quite rightly outraged by this heinous and senseless crime.

“This is not who we are, or how we want our police force or our neighbours to be treated.

Council facilities, including the Fraser Coast Regional Council office in Hervey Bay, were flown at half-mast on Tuesday, December 13.

“Police officers go to work every day to protect our lives, our property, and to keep our communities safe.

“Sadly, these officers did not make it home to their families and friends.

“They made the ultimate sacrifice and I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to their loved ones, their colleagues, the Queensland Police Service, and the first responders on site.

“Everyone involved will be feeling incredible shock and sadness at this senseless and traumatic crime.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said flags at council facilities were being flown at half-mast on Tuesday.

We are broken and hurting, yet buoyed by your overwhelming support. We simply say, thank you.

Thousands have been moved by three lives cruelly taken too soon. We will always remember them. pic.twitter.com/JVaQ52fQhm

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) December 13, 2022

“As a society we owe a great debt to police officers,” he said.

“With honour they serve.

“They take on a great responsibility in protecting us and keeping our community safe.”

On Facebook, Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders also paid tribute to the officers.

“Yesterday, a tragedy unfolded in Wieambilla and a truly heartbreaking for the families of the officers who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty,” he wrote.

“My deepest condolences to the Queensland Police Service and the families of the officers.”