Brisbane school community comes together to remember murdered cops

Two grieving Brisbane schools have come together to remember slain police officers Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, painting a picture of their lives in a different uniform.

Two Brisbane school communities have come together to remember the lives of two former students destined to become hero police officers.

Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold lost their lives in the line of duty during a siege at a property in Queensland‘s Western Downs.

Constable McCrow, 29, murdered at a property at Wieambilla Monday afternoon, has been remembered by staff and students of Bray Park’s Genesis Christian College as a full of life student, a friend to all and someone with a caring heart.

An outpouring of love for Contstable McCrow came today from principal Paul Sterling, who issued a statement along with a public post from the school.

“She was always positive and loved to involve herself in the activities of the College including numerous Co-Curricular activities,” Mr Sterling said of the 2010 alumni.

“Rachel was a part of a close and well-connected cohort and her loss has been felt by many within our community” Sterling said “Our prayers for God’s comfort are with our community at this tragic time”.

Flowers outside Chinchilla Police Station – Picture David Clark NCA/Newswire

The sombre words came after a heartbreaking tribute from Constable McCrow’s close school friends Tuesday.

Constable Matthew Arnold graduated from South Brisbane school St Laurence's College in 2013 and remained involved in college life after graduating.

Named sportsman of the year in 2013, Constable Arnold continued to participate in school sports, acting as a coach, attending retreats and school camps and participating in the school’s ‘Woody Cup’.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Arnold and Parker families” St Laurence College principal Chris Leadbetter said, “including his brother James Arnold who was also a senior from the class of 2013”.

“We also offer condolences to the families of the other innocent victims of the tragedy,” Mr Leadbetter said.

“We are all reminded of the significant risk that our police deal with every day in protecting our community.”

There has been an outpouring of support on social media from the communities of both schools, with many sharing their disbelief and offering their condolences to the friends and families of the slain cops:

Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were gunned down at the property in the western Darling Downs, about three hours west of Brisbane.

“It was an honour knowing you Rachel. Rest in God’s arms my dear friend,” one mourner said.

“Matt was such a wonderful young man with a big heart. Thanks for making a difference for all the people around you Matt,” said another.

“A beautiful family and a superb young man. Polite, diligent, athletic, well presented, wonderful role model. Genuine kid who loved to smile. RIP,” another person said about Constable Arnold.

“RIP Rachel. Thank you for your service. You have more to this community than you realise.”