Injured policeman Randall Kirk recovers from surgery
The policeman who survived a horror shootout on the Darling Downs on Monday that claimed the life of two of his colleagues has spoken after surgery to recover shrapnel from his leg.
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A police officer who survived a horror shootout at a rural Darling Downs property that saw two of his colleagues murdered has undergone surgery to remove shrapnel from his leg.
Constable Randall Kirk was one of four young police officers who went to the home of Gareth and Stacey Train to ask about a missing person – Gareth’s brother, former school principal Nathaniel.
But the four officers were ambushed by the heavily armed trio, who shot dead Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow.
A fourth officer, Constable Keely Brough, fled into the bush and hid while the Trains lit fires in an effort to flush her out.
Constables Kirk and Brough managed to escape – Const Kirk after being shot in the leg.
Gareth, a conspiracy theorist, and Stacey, a former schoolteacher, as well as Nathaniel, were killed during a shootout with Special Emergency Response Team members who arrived in a helicopter.
In a statement released through the Queensland Police Union, Const Kirk said: “I’m feeling fine, just a little sore. My main thoughts are with the other police families at this awful time. It means a lot to know the community cares for us all.”
Theories, fires and killers: Qld’s cold-blooded ambush explained
The Queensland Police Union, in a social media post, said Const Kirk had undergone surgery to remove shrapnel and repair the damage.
“Constable Kirk has undergone surgery to remove shrapnel and repair injuries sustained when intense fire from a variety of weapons was directed towards him during the incident at Wieambilla,” the post said.
“The surgeons and nurses did a tremendous job and he will be released from hospital soon to continue his recovery at home with his wife Breanna and their young daughter.
“The Kirks are expecting another baby next month and the family are thankful they will be together for this important moment.”
A statement from the Kirk family said: “Randall and Bree have been overwhelmed by the messages of support from everyone from the Prime Minister down.
“Randall is recovering well from surgery and wants to thank all the public who are showing support for the Queensland Police.”
Originally published as Injured policeman Randall Kirk recovers from surgery