Shock after sudden death Senior Constable Kym Slade at police station
There has been an outpouring of grief and calls for support after the death of a loving mum and police officer while on duty.
There has been an outpouring of grief and calls for support after the death of a Queensland Police officer and mother last week.
Senior Constable Kym Slade, 48, died suddenly and in non-suspicious circumstances while on duty at Loganholme Police Station, South of Brisbane, last Thursday.
Officers from across the country have shared their support for their fallen colleague in the days since.
Some called for greater support for struggling officers.
“My heart breaks reading this,” she wrote.
“Most have no idea the insane pressure, responsibility and weight of this job.
“Years later I still struggle. And the hardest part about reading this is knowing that I was very close to becoming this headline. Yet there is still next to no support.
“RIP Kym Slade – I hope you are at peace.”
Another man said it was a bleak day for Queensland Police.
“Another very grim day for one of our local stations and an even grimmer one for senior Constable Kym Slade and her family,” he wrote.
“The already thin line grew thinner by another today. Every single one of us hope you’ve found peace.”
Another man said there is “always help”, encouraging other officers to speak out if they need help.
“The loss is felt incredibly by us all,” he wrote.
“Regardless of what you’re going through, there is hope … There is a way … There is help.
“Reach out to me – anybody – if you are struggling and need help.
“If anyone who is affected by this needs someone to talk to … I’m here for you … you are not alone.”
A statement from police shortly after the incident said family and friends were being provided support.
“It is with deep sadness, the Queensland Police Service confirm the passing of a police officer while on duty at Loganholme Police Station today,” it read.
“The female senior constable died after a firearm was discharged just after midday in non-suspicious circumstances.
“The QPS is providing immediate support to her family and colleagues and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.
“Ethical Standards Command is investigating the incident, with oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commissioner.”
Last week, the Courier Mailreported Commissioner Katarina Carroll confirmed the officer involved was Senior Constable Slade in an email to QPS staff.
“Just after midday today, Senior Constable Slade died following the discharge of a police issued firearm at Loganholme Police Station,” Ms Carroll wrote to staff on Thursday evening.
“I know you will all join me by keeping Kym’s family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts at this extremely difficult time.
“I would also like to sincerely thank the police and first responders who assisted at the scene, my thoughts are also with you all.
“The coming days will be incredibly difficult for our organisation, so I urge you all to look out for each other.
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“There are many support options available for our members and if you need help, please speak to a senior psychologist, social worker, police chaplain or a PSO (Peer Support Officer). More information about these services is available here.
“To all our members, I mourn with you tonight.
“With Honour She Served.”
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