National Police Remembrance Day 2023: Hero cops added to Memorial roll
The horror of the Wieambilla shootings took centre stage as North Queensland police paused to remember fallen brethren during sombre commemorations on Friday.
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The horror of the Wieambilla shootings took centre stage as North Queensland police paused to remember fallen brethren during sombre Remembrance Day commemorations on Friday.
“Since last year’s Remembrance Day, the names of two young constables have been added to the Memorial – Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, whose lives were tragically taken at Wieambilla on December 12 last year,” Acting Inspector Graeme Paterson said at the Ingham Holy Trinity Anglican Church.”
I will also acknowledge constables Keely Brough and Randall Kirk who survived the attack on our officers,” he said.
“We know that the trauma of that day will stay with them forever.”
Acting Inspector Paterson was speaking on behalf of QPS Commissioner Katarina Carroll who was in Canberra attending National Police Remembrance Day events with family, friends and colleagues of late officers Mr Arnold and Ms McCrow.
A total of 150 Queensland Police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1861.
Among the significant anniversaries for North Queensland officers are for Cadet Sub-Inspector Mark Beresford who was murdered in the Selwyn Ranges at Cloncurry on January 24, 1883, some 140 years ago.
It has been 90 years since the loss of Constable Robert Kyle who died from injuries sustained during the arrest of an offenders in Bowen in April, 1933.
Acting Inspector Paterson said it was heartwarming to gather and “pay tribute to their work, courage, commitment, dedication, loyalty and sacrifice”.
“By maintaining this tradition, we make it known that their sacrifice will be remembered and they will not be forgotten,” he quoted Commissioner Carroll as saying.
“To the family, friends and colleagues of our fallen officers, it is my greatest wish that we continue to keep you as part of our police family and that we do you proud in honouring their sacrifice and memory.”
Originally published as National Police Remembrance Day 2023: Hero cops added to Memorial roll
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