‘Our little brother and hero:’ Police pay tribute to a very Junior officer

A brave little boy who Queensland Police recently welcomed in as one of their own, fulfiling his lifelong dream, has sadly passed away.

A brave little boy who got to fulfil his lifelong dream of joining the Queensland Police Service has passed away after he courageously battled an incurable illness for nine months.

Special Junior Constable Travis Indie Heery, who was about a month shy of his 7th birthday when he passed away with his parents and family at his bedside, has been remembered by police as an “amazing, beautiful and courageous young man,” who police were “honoured and privileged to call (a) little brother.”

The youngster was in July granted his wish to become a police officer when he was sworn in during a special ceremony held at the Police Mounted Unit in Moggill.

Young Travis was sworn into the Queensland Police Service early last month, fulfilling his lifelong dream. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Remembering his young colleague as “a little brother and hero,” QPS Acting Sergeant Paul Bagnall said “Travis’ courage was beyond measure.”

“He took every blow with a great attitude and endured more than most adults would ever encounter,” Acting Sgt Bagnall wrote in a statement.

“He was the most exceptional boy and had a heart of gold, with the soul of an angel.”

Travis was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in December 2019.

The illness is an incurable, inoperable tumour of the brain stem.

It slowly dispersed through the nervous system and acts like “pepper in jelly”, to remove the body’s ability to function.

Special junior constable Travis received 30 radiation treatments, which were initially successful in allowing two blissful months of full motion.

During that time, Travis was able to be a normal six-year-old boy again.

Tragically, however, the tumour returned more rapidly than expected, and the brave youngster passed away on Sunday, August 16 with his loved ones by his side.

Special Junior Constable Travis Indie Heery of the Queensland Police Service. Picture: Queensland Police Service.

Acting Sgt Bagnall extended his condolences to Special Junior Constable Travis‘ family.

“Kaye, Adam, Zane and Bella, we know that no words could ever comfort you at the loss of your beautiful son and beloved big brother, but please know that you all are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers,” acting Sgt Bagnall wrote.

“Travis was one of us, he was part of our QPS brotherhood and sisterhood. He was our hero and most of all, we are so honoured and privileged to call him our little brother.

“Rest in peace Travis, our little brother and hero, through adversity you lived with the utmost courage and honour.”