Gold Coast police mourn another officer death six years on from Damian Leeding’s death

A MEMORIAL day for slain Gold Coast officer Damian Leeding turned into a day of mourning yesterday as Queensland police lost another of their own

Acting Senior Sergeant Stewart Reid remembers his fallen colleague at the Damian Leeding Memorial Park, Oxenford.

A MEMORIAL day for slain Gold Coast officer Damian Leeding turned into a day of mourning yesterday as Queensland police lost another of their own.

Six years to the day since Detective Senior Constable Leeding was killed in the line of duty, Toowoomba police officer Brett Forte was fatally shot after attempting to pulling over career criminal Rick Maddison in the Lockyer Valley.

Brett Forte was killed in the line of duty six years to the day Gold Coast officer Damian Leeding was also fatally shot. Picture: supplied

Gold Coast officers, many of whom were attending the Damian Leeding Memorial Golf Day as yesterday’s events unfolded, voiced their shock at the “tragic timing”.

South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd said it was “unbelievable” the experienced police officer was shot down on the same day as Det Sen-Constable Leeding.

“It’s a tragedy ... we all feel this when it happens,” Asst Comm Codd said, adding the tragic events were a stark reminder of the important role police officers played in serving the community.

Damian Leeding with son Hudson. Picture: supplied

“We’ve all got families, we all have lives.

“We also choose to do this job, but it doesn’t make it any less hard.

“We’ll be supporting each other ... it’s unbelievable this happened on the same day (as Leeding’s shooting).”

In 2011 on the 29th of May, Det Sen-Constable Leeding, 34, was called to an armed robbery at Pacific Pines Tavern.

He was brutally gunned down around 10.30pm, shot in the face by robbers who had taken seven people hostage.

Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd on the Gold Coast. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Det Snr Cnst Leeding was taken to hospital in a critical condition and died three days later.

He was awarded the valour medal posthumously.

Detective Sergeant Todd Miller, who had worked alongside Det Sen-Constable Leeding, said it was sad to hear another officer had been killed in the line of duty.

“It’s tragic timing,” he said.

“It’s a reminder of the inherently dangerous job and possible consequences of police work.

“No one’s going to work and expecting not to return.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Proctor, Detective Sergeant Todd Miller and Plain Clothes Constable James Ramsey honour their fallen mate at the Damian Leeding Memorial Golf Day two years ago. Picture: Scott Fletcher

But he said the annual Damian Leeding Memorial Golf Day was a good way to celebrate Det Sen-Constable Leeding’s legacy while raising money for police families who had lost loved ones in the line of duty.

“The day was a success,” he said.

“So far in excess of $50,000 has been raised in police legacy (over the years).”

Minister for Police Mark Ryan and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk both offered their condolences after yesterday’s events.

Donna McAvoy (second from right), convicted for the murder of police officer Damian Leeding, participates in a walk-through with police and her lawyer of the Pacific Pines Tavern.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the officer killed while carrying out his duties protecting our community in the Lockyer Valley today,” Ms Palaszczuk said in a statement.

“Every day, the brave officers of the Queensland Police Service put their lives on the line when they go to work.

“Each of us should be immensely grateful for the work they do.”

Asst Comm Codd said officers were able to access a range of internal and external links, such as psychologist appointments, peer support and chaplaincy.

He said extra resources were being deployed in Toowoomba to support friends, families and other officers impacted by the incident.