New water police vessel dubbed the “Damian Leeding” in fitting tribute to late detective
GOLD Coast detective Damian Leeding’s colleagues never knew he once dreamt of becoming a water police officer, but they still chose the perfect tribute.
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WHEN Damian Leeding was a young boy he dreamt of becoming a member of the Gold Coast Water Police.
Not many people knew of this aspiration, including his colleagues, so it was a fateful and fitting tribute when the Queensland Police Service decided to name a vessel after the late detective.
A new police catamaran has been named in Detective Senior Constable Leeding’s honour, just weeks from the five- year anniversary of his death.
The boat will be based in the Whitsundays and is one of three new vessels named in honour of fallen officers.
Det Sen-Constable Leeding became a household name when he responded to an armed robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern on May 29, 2011.
The father-of-two was shot in the face while pursuing the robbers and died in hospital three days later.
Det Sen-Constable Leeding’s mother, Julie Waters, said it still felt like the incident happened only yesterday.
“So much has happened in five years, but time doesn’t change much, it still feels like yesterday,” she said.
“Having a boat named in Damian’s honour is a lovely tribute, it’s very touching.
“I’ve been to see it and it’s a beautiful boat — to be honest this has all been quite overwhelming.
“This choice of tribute is amazing, when Damian was young he wanted to be in the water police, his career never went that way, but he would be so happy.
“I know when the boat is launched he will be up there looking down, wishing he could get behind the wheel and have some fun.”
Ms Waters said her son’s children, Hudson and Grace, would attend the launch of the three boats in Brisbane.
“The kids will be there on the day and I think it is good for them to be involved in positive things like this,” she said.
The detective also has a Coomera street and park named in his honour.
Meanwhile Gold Coast police will gather to remember their friend and colleague on May 29 at the fifth annual Damian Leeding Memorial Golf Day.
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