‘Heartbreaking loss’: Tributes for much-loved Qld cop killed in charity ride

A Gold Coast cop killed in a NSW traffic accident was on a charity ride for a slain colleague, it has been revealed.

Senior Seargent Brendan Wiblen died during a charity ride to remember fallen officers. Photo: Regi Varghese

A Queensland police officer killed in a memorial motorcycle ride on Wednesday has been identified as respected Gold Coast officer Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen.

Sergeant Wiblen spent most of his nearly 30-year career serving in the region and was a much-loved senior member of the Queensland Police family.

The father has been remembered as a “great bloke”, with his death leaving the police community in “utter shock”.

It comes as details of how the crash unfolded emerge.

He was killed on Wednesday during a memorial motorcycle ride – Wall 2 Wall Ride for Remembrance – to Canberra, which honours police officers killed in the line of duty.

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.

New South Wales Police Force said in a statement on Thursday that Sergeant Wiblen had been 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 in the statement.

“Officers from New England Police District have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.”

Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen in a photo supplied by his family.

The Queensland Police Service earlier released a statement about the officer’s distinguished career spanning 28 years.

He joined the service in 1996 and served as a District Duty Officer on the Gold Coast. He had also previously been officer-in-charge of the Southport station.

Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior said the death of Sen Sgt Wiblen was devastating.

“Today our hearts are extraordinarily heavy as a blue family,” Mr Prior said from NSW.

“We lost Brendan yesterday on the first day of the Wall to Wall ride this year.

“Brendan completed the Wall to Wall ride a number of times in the past few years and we are so incredibly sad that he is no longer with us.

“Brendan completed this ride for his mate (murdered police officer) Damian Leeding who lost his life in the line of duty.

“Brendan was a man of integrity. He was a loyal man and a man that was highly regarded by his colleagues up on the Gold Coast. I know he will be sorely missed.

Sen Sgt Wiblen’s late colleague Damian Leeding

“These riders today are going to be riding in his memory and they will be thinking on their long ride today solemn thoughts but also thoughts of happiness as they think of him as they ride to Canberra.”

Det Sen Const Leeding died in hospital on June 1, 2011, three days after being shot while responding to a robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern on the Gold Coast.

Mr Prior said Sen Sgt Wiblen was a long-time branch official for the union who loyally stood up for members.

Acting Superintendent Peter Flanders, who is on the ride, said the group was taking the news “extremely personally”.

“We are taking it hard, there is no doubt about it,” he said.

“The Queensland Police, although we are a massive organisation, we feel for each other and we support each other. That’s what we are doing at the moment.

“We are gathering together as a tight-knit group of bike riders and police. We will support each other and we will respect what Brendan has given to the Queensland community over very very many years.”

Brendan Wiblen at a police send-off on the Gold Coast in August. Picture: Supplied.

Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said Sen Sgt Wiblen’s death was a heartbreaking loss for the service.

“The service stands in solidarity with Brendan’s family, friends and colleagues to provide support during this time of grief,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.

“It is absolutely devastating that Brendan lost his life during an event honouring our fallen members.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire service, particularly for Brendan’s colleagues on the Gold Coast, who worked closely with him day in and day out. His passing will have a significant impact on officers who not only valued his leadership but also considered him as a dear friend.”

The police service said Senior Sergeant Wiblen’s family had indicated they wished for officers to continue and complete the Wall to Wall Remembrance ride.

South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Swan said Sen Sgt Wiblen was a dedicated officer who was known for his attention to detail.

“Our thoughts are with Brendan’s loved ones, who are dealing with this tragic loss,” he said.

“The police family stands together in grief and will continue to support Brendan’s family during this unimaginable time.

“Brendan was a dedicated officer who served with distinction throughout his career. 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,” Assistant Commissioner Swan said.

Shattered police have taken to social media to voice their grief, changed their Facebook profiles to images of a weeping angel and the police blue line.

“I cannot believe it,” one posted.

“Complete and utter shock. I am so saddened with the news. I am so saddened with the news.”

Police participate in last year’s Wall to Wall ride.

Opposition candidate for Gaven, and former 7News and Sunrise journalist Bianca Stone led the tributes.

“Incredibly shocked and saddened to hear a Queensland Police Officer has died while on the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance which honours officers killed in the line of duty,” she wrote on social media.

“He was a great bloke, always up for a chat and a laugh. My heart goes out to his loved ones and the entire police family.

“With honour he served.”

The Queensland Police Union of Employees said Sergeant Wiblen had been excited for the trip.

”Our mate left Brisbane this morning and had been in good spirits with friends and fellow riders before heading off on the first leg to Armidale,” it said.

“Although off duty at the time of the accident the QPU is already arranging support for his family and financial assistance.”

Premier Steven Miles extended his condolences on social network X.

Devastated to hear an off duty Queensland police officer has died during the Wall to Wall memorial ride near Glen Innes.

My deepest condolences to family, friends and all members of the Qld Police Service.

Our thoughts are with you at this tough time.

— Steven Miles (@StevenJMiles) September 11, 2024

Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon from Gold Coast police said Snr Sgt Wiblen was a dedicated officer who had almost 30 years of service in policing across Queensland.

“Brendan was a very professional officer. He was certainly dedicated to his staff and the community of Queensland,” he said.

“It’s a tragedy and some people in our community are really, really hurting today. Because Brendan was a District Duty Officer he had a reach across the whole district.

“So you’ve got 1100-odd police and a couple of hundred staff members (on the Gold Coast) who are all feeling the pain today.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan also shared his sadness on social media.

“Sad news following the start of the Wall to Wall Police Remembrance Ride this morning with the death of an off-duty QPS officer in a fatal traffic crash near Glen Innes,” he posted to Facebook.

“Thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”

QPU President Shane Prior and regional representatives reached out to the officer’s colleagues and were with ride participants providing support.

The event is held each year in the lead-up to National Police Remembrance Day on September 29.

Last year more than 3000 riders, including 300 from Queensland, were involved in the ride.

– additional reporting by Keith Woods

Originally published as ‘Heartbreaking loss’: Tributes for much-loved Qld cop killed in charity ride