150 sworn members of the Queensland Police Force have died in the line of duty

Over the past 160 years, the Queensland Police Service has lost 150 sworn in members, a stark reminder of the dangers officers face while serving the Far North and the state.

National Police Remembrance Day, an annual event held to honour fallen officers, was observed across Australia this week. Photograph: Che Chorley.

Over the past 160 years, the Queensland Police Service has lost 150 sworn in members, a stark reminder of the dangers officers face while serving the Far North and the state.

National Police Remembrance Day, an annual event held to honour fallen officers, was observed across Australia this week.

Police Remembrance Day, march through the Cairns City Streets, ending up at St Monicas Cathedral for Service. Picture: Supplied.

QPS Superintendent Nick O’Brien said the annual event was of great significance for the “big blue family”, for both serving and retired members.

“It’s a time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” he said.

QPS Superintendent Nick O’Brien whose patrol area includes all the islands of the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area, the northernmost 50km of Cape York. Picture: Supplied.

While the numbers of officers who have died in the line of duty are significant, Superintendent O’Brien said the evolving nature of policing means modern officers face challenges vastly different from those of their predecessors and he believes safety on the job is “getting better”.

“Resources and tools that we have these days to do our job have vastly changed. I think the training and the skill set have greatly intensified than what some of our members would have done back in the day,” he said.

The 2024 National Police Remembrance Day march and service, attended by Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski , QLD Premier Steven Miles and Opposition leader David Crisafulli, Brisbane. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

However, while significant strides in training and equipment have greatly improved, the risks remain ever-present, he said.

“Coming together as the big blue family is really special, it’s a very important day on the police calendar,” Superintendent O’Brien said.

The annual day also serves as an opportunity to foster stronger connections between police and the community.

“We want the community to know that we are here to serve and protect them,” he said.

The National Police Remembrance Day March: The Northern Territory (NT) Police Force, Australian Federal Police (AFP), Military Police and Colours, both serving and retired police officers marched through Darwin to commemorate the force. Photograph: Che Chorley

However, he also said it’s important members of the community know officers value the opportunity to build their relationships with the community, outside of resolving conflict.

“If you see a police officer, don’t be intimidated,” he said.

“I would encourage you to go up and say hello and have a conversation. It doesn’t have to be about policing. Tell us about what’s happening in your community and what we may be able to assist with.”

In Far North Queensland, National Police Remembrance Day was observed on Friday with commemorative services in various communities and locations.

Originally published as 150 sworn members of the Queensland Police Force have died in the line of duty