Brett Forte’s family pay homage to the gunned down police officer

Brothers of slain policeman Brett Forte have extended their prayers to the family of a young officer who is fighting for his life in hospital.

Senior Constable Brett Forte who was killed on duty on Monday May 29.

Brothers of slain policeman Brett Forte have extended their prayers to the family of a young officer who is fighting for his life in hospital.

Peter McAulay was critically injured when he was run down by a stolen car allegedly driven by two teens in Ipswich last Thursday.

Speaking at the Moreton District Remembrance Day service at the Redcliffe Uniting Church on Friday, brothers Luke and Chris Forte said they hoped no one had to go through what they had.

“It’s just tragic,” Luke said.

“We know exactly what their family is going through and we just hope it’s not something they have to go through.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and we’re hoping that he’s all good.”

It was the second Police Remembrance Day service the brothers had attended since Brett was gunned down 16 months ago while on duty in the Lockyer Valley.

“It’s still very raw; it’s only a year and a bit since it happened,” Luke said.

“It still opens up old wounds. It’s very sad.

“On days like today it’s very emotional, but beautiful to honour Brett … and all the other fallen officers too.”

Brett Forte's brother Chris (left) and brother Luke embracing his wife Katy Forte at the Moreton District Police Remembrance Day service held at Redcliffe Uniting Church.

Chris’ three children lay a wreath in memory of their uncle.

He said it’s important that “everyone” paid their respects to the 145 Queensland police officers who had lost their lives since 1861.

“It’s something everyone should do,” Chris said.

“They go out and never know if they’re going to come home or not — it’s just one of those things these great people do.”

Brett Forte's nephews and nieces laying a wreath for him at the Moreton District Police Remembrance Day service held at Redcliffe Uniting Church.

Brett Forte grew up in Redcliffe, went to Clontarf Beach State School and played hockey for Redcliffe Leagues Hockey Club.

He was stationed at Caboolture for three years before he moved to the Toowoomba Tactical Crime Squad.

Moreton District superintendent Mick Brady, who worked with Brett’s father Stuart, said he was pleased with the service.

“It’s one of the important days on our calendar and it was so good to see so many people here in the church,” he said.

“Particularly our retired police and friends of the fallen, it really touches the heart strings.

“It’s still quite raw; Brett’s father was an officer we all knew and he worked at Caboolture so we still feel that.

“I think it was a fine tribute, not only to the forte family, but all fallen officers.”