Sunshine Coast artist Fiona Groom creates portrait of police dog Rambo for his handler

Rambo the police dog was killed in the line of duty while on the tail of a wanted man in Maryborough earlier this year, and now a portrait has been created to honour him

Sunshine Coast artist Fiona Groom created a portrait of fallen police dog Rambo, killed in the line of duty while on the tail of a wanted man in Maryborough earlier this year.

A heartfelt tribute to a fallen police dog killed in the line of duty in Maryborough earlier this year has brought his handler comfort as he continues to grieve his beloved animal.

Police dog Rambo died during a police pursuit in June. He was on the tail of a wanted man when he was accidentally struck by a vehicle on the Bruce Highway at Maryborough West.

PD Rambo's handler was Sgt Ian Grigoris. Picture Police Media

His handler, Sergeant Ian Grigoris, was devastated by the loss of his dog.

Sunshine Coast artist Fiona Groom was working on a mural showcasing the police dogs at the new Caboolture Watchhouse when she was approached by one of the officers to create a portrait of Rambo.

The officer was friends with Sgt Grigoris and wanted to give him something special to remember his dog, who had worked with him as a partner while they were on the job.

Sunshine Coast artist Fiona Groom has created a portrait of fallen police dog Rambo, killed in the line of duty in Maryborough earlier this year.

Money was raised to commission the painting and Ms Groom set to work creating the artwork she hoped would bring Sgt Grigoris comfort.

“They sent me some images and I came up with a composition,” she said.

“It only took a few days; I totally focused on it.”
Ms Groom wanted everything to be right, from capturing Rambo’s features and ensuring she had his colouring perfect.

Since he had received the portrait, St Grigoris had been in touch with her, Ms Groom said.

“He said thank you and that he thought it was beautiful,” she said.

“He thought I had captured him really well.”

Ms Groom, who has been an artist for 20 years, said she had always been passionate about animals and spent much of her time drawing and photographing them.

Rambo is also set to be honoured by the Fraser Coast Regional Council with the naming of an off-leash dog park in his honour.