Gold Coast police mourn death of Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen on Wall to Wall motorbike rally
The Gold Coast police ‘family’ are mourning a cherished member who died in a motorbike accident on a rally to honour officers killed in the line of duty. Read the tributes
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The Gold Coast police ‘family’ is in a state of disbelief and profound sadness after the sudden death of a cherished member overnight on a motorbike ride in memory of slain police.
Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen, a veteran police officer with decades of frontline service, was killed in a motorcycle crash at Glenn Innes in the New South Wales Northern Tablelands.
The accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, just hours after Senior Sergeant Wiblen and hundreds of other police set off from Brisbane on the Wall to Wall police remembrance ride.
Devastated and shocked colleagues recall Snr-Sgt Wiblen had earlier in the week told them “I just can’t wait to join the ride” which raises funds for police charities.
He was a respected District Duty Officer on the Gold Coast, working across the city’s crime hot spots including the busy Southport CBD, where he was formerly the Officer in Charge.
“When the proverbial would hit the fan, he was the calm and considered cop tasked with making split-second decisions, at times when the consequences couldn’t have been greater,” a close police colleague said.
“He was a leader that backed his staff – intelligent, kind, with a mischievous sense of humour. It’s what made him a respected officer with the rank and file, and management.
“He wasn’t afraid to shoot from the hip when it came to sticking up for us.
“His passion for policing was resolute to the very end.”
South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Swan said Snr Sgt Wiblen served with distinction and the police family was united in their grief.
“Brendan was a dedicated officer who served with distinction throughout his career,” AC Swan said.
“He was highly thought of by his colleagues and was known for his attention to detail and quick wit. His service to the community will not be forgotten, and our thoughts are with all those who knew Brendan during this incredibly difficult time.”
The state’s police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski was also among those to pay their respects.
“It is absolutely devastating that Brendan lost his life during an event honouring our fallen members,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.
“His passing will have a significant impact on officers who not only valued his leadership but also considered him as a dear friend.”
Emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway near Glen Innes, west of Grafton, on Wednesday afternoon where Sergeant Wiblen had crashed his bike.
Sadly, Sergeant Wiblen couldn’t be saved.
The group of riders set out for the capital from Brisbane on Wednesday to attend a service on September 14.
The NSW Police Force said in a statement on Thursday Sergeant Wiblen was “attempting to overtake another rider, when he lost control and went down an embankment”.
“Members of the public administered CPR until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived; however, the man died at the scene,” a spokesman said.
“A report will be prepared for the information of the Corner. Officers from New England Police District have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.”
Snr Sergeant Wiblen had completed in the Wall to Wall ride many times, including in 2023 when he was joined by his son Liam Wiblen.
He had taken part in the memorial ride in honour of his mate and former Gold Coast Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding who was fatally shot by an offender in 2011, having responded to an armed robbery call-out at the Pacific Pines Tavern.
Speaking from the NSW town of Armidale on Thursday, Queensland Police Union President Shane Prior said the memorial ride would continue, with the blessing of Snr Sgt Wiblen’s family.
“Brendan was a man of integrity, he was a loyal man and was highly regarded,” Mr Prior said.
“These riders today are going to be riding in his memory. They will be thinking on their long ride today solemn thoughts - but also thoughts of happiness.”
Snr Sergeant Wiblen was a long serving QPU branch official at Coomera, a role he cherished, according to his colleagues.
The rememberance riders were joined by members of the NSW Police Force to pay their respects on Thursday morning.
The procession of motorbikes then hit the road, played out to the nostalgic sound of bagpipes and escorted by highway patrol.
The Wall to Wall Memorial ride is an annual national event, held to honour police officers who have been killed in the line of duty.
The event is held in the lead-up to National Police Remembrance Day on September 29, with the rally riders heading all the way to Canberra.
Last year more than 3000 riders, including 300 from Queensland, were involved in the ride.
The Premier Steven Miles, Police Minister Mark Ryan, both in State Parliament, and LNP Gaven candidate Bianca Stone have all expressed their condolences following Mr Wiblen’s death.
Originally published as Gold Coast police mourn death of Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen on Wall to Wall motorbike rally
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