National Police Remembrance Day commemorations in North Queensland

Two Victorian officers tragically slain in the line of duty were remembered during reverent National Police Remembrance Day commemorations in North Queensland.

Ingham police march outside the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Ingham. Photographs from National Police Remembrance Day commemorations in Ingham, North Queensland, on Monday. Picture: Cameron Bates

Two Victorian officers tragically slain in the line of duty were remembered during reverent National Police Remembrance Day commemorations in North Queensland.

Acting Inspector Darren Randall of Townsville police, representing Queensland Police Service Commissioner Steve Gollschewski in Ingham on Monday, said NPRD was “one of the most significant and solemn days in the policing calendar”.

“It is a time for us to pause, to reflect and to honour the extraordinary bravery and dedication of those who have served our communities and who made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so.”

A total of 151 Queensland police officers have fallen in the line of duty since 1861, with constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, along with civilian Alan Dare, killed in a religiously motivated terrorist attack on a rural property in Wieambilla in late 2022.

Acting Inspector Darren Randall of Townsville police. Photographs from National Police Remembrance Day commemorations in Ingham, North Queensland, on Monday. Picture: Cameron Bates

“There is no greater sacrifice that can be asked of anyone and no greater gift than the selflessness of the men and women we remember today,” he said.

“We also acknowledge those that carry the weight of this loss every day, the families, the partners, the friends and their colleagues.”

Senior Sergeant Geoff Bormann, the officer in charge of Ingham Police Station. Photographs from National Police Remembrance Day commemorations in Ingham, North Queensland, on Monday. Picture: Cameron Bates

Acting Insp Randall said the work of a police officer was unpredictable.

“No two days are the same but what never changes is the unwavering commitment to step forward when others step back, to stand firm in the face of risk and to serve with integrity and courage,” he said.

“Each year, we each share the same wish; that no further names are added to the (national) honour roll.”

Acting Police Chaplain Rosemary Dunn. Photographs from National Police Remembrance Day commemorations in Ingham, North Queensland, on Monday. Picture: Cameron Bates

Sergeant Regina Veivers of Ingham police. Photographs from National Police Remembrance Day commemorations in Ingham, North Queensland, on Monday. Picture: Cameron Bates

Acting Insp Randall said that while no Queensland officers were added to the roll of honour at the National Police Memorial in Canberra, it was with “heavy hearts” that QPS acknowledged the sad addition of Constable Keith Smith to the roll after his death in North Motton, Tasmania in June.

He said that although they were yet to be added to the roll, QPS also honoured Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, in Porepunkah, Victoria on August 26.

Senior Constable Jake Smit of Ingham police. Photographs from National Police Remembrance Day commemorations in Ingham, North Queensland, on Monday. Picture: Cameron Bates

Like Wieambilla, the killings at North Motton and Porepunkah involved shootings on isolated rural properties.

“Their loss is our loss and we hold their families, their communities and their fellow officers in our thoughts today,” Acting Insp Randall said.

“Though they are no longer with us, their legacy endures; their service, their sacrifice and their memory will never be forgotten.

“With honour they served.”

Originally published as National Police Remembrance Day commemorations in North Queensland