Eulogies for Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll and friends and colleagues of Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold have paid tribute to the pair in eulogies during a public memorial service in Brisbane today. READ THEM IN FULL

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll and friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold in eulogies during a public memorial service in Brisbane today.

Read them in full below.

RACHEL MCCROW: POLICE COMMISSIONER KATARINA CARROLL

I’m honoured to stand here today representing the Queensland Police Service to deliver the valedictory for our colleagues Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold, who served the community of Queensland and in our organisation with great integrity, compassion and dedication.

Rachel was born in a Mater Private Hospital in Rockhampton in 1993.

Her family includes sister Samantha and parents Judy and Wayne.

The family lived in Gladstone for a number of years then moved to Brisbane where Judy raised Samantha and Rachel from their family home in Albany Creek.

Rachel undertook her preschooling at the Albany School State School until grade 5 when she then moved to the Genesis Christian College at Bray Park where the family had relocated to.

Whilst at the Genesis Christian College, Rachel formed friendships which are still enduring today.

Rachel McCrow was born in Rockhampton and her family moved to Gladstone before heading to Brisbane’s north, where she started her schooling.

From day one, Rachel was regarded as a warm, loving person, who always had a funny story to tell but was always ready to support anyone who needed it.

Rachel also displayed courage and was the first one to stand up and support others when there were other issues to be resolved.

She excelled both academically and in the sporting arena, becoming the swimming aged champion for Genesis Christian College for a number of years.

This required 5am training sessions and sleepovers at friends houses for the early morning starts.

She was so dedicated, that when Rachel broke her arm, she insisted on a waterproof cast that she could continue training at 5am in the morning.

Upon finishing her senior schooling, Rachel commenced justice studies at the Queensland University of Technology.

During this time, Rachel worked at a number of part time jobs including one as a research assistant in the aged care environment of serving people living with dementia.

During her university studies, Rachel also took some time off to travel the world.

She’s always had a keen interest in law enforcement and upon completing her university studies, applied for and commenced working at the CCC on the 9th of January 2017, as a casual electronic collections monitor whilst completing her studies to enter the Queensland Police Service.

On the 24th of April, 2017, Rachel was temporarily appointed to the role of operations support officer in crime hearings and legal where she was made permanent in February 2019.

Rachel McCrow studied justice studies at university after she finished school.

Rachel resigned from the CCC on the 21st of February 2020 to take up a position in the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission while she waited to commence at the police academy and continued to travel overseas.

Rachel’s commitment to service life commenced at the Queensland Police Academy on the

4th of January 2021 at Townsville as a recruit.

Whilst at the academy, Rachel excelled in her academic and operational training.

Rachel’s facilitators remember her as a beautiful person who always strived to achieve the highest and was always willing to assist others.

Rachel graduated from the academy on the 24th of June 2021 and began her career as a general duties officer at Dalby Police Station.

Rachel was very popular at the station and her enthusiasm for policing and the community became a way of life.

Rachel McCrow with her dog.

Rachel quickly moved through the first year constable development program and after a year of dedicated service was confirmed as a constable of police.

Rachel being the larrikin that she was would often let it slip that she had worked at the CCC just to cause a bit of mystery with her work colleagues.

On the 21st July 2022, Rachel transferred to Tara Police Station and remanded at the station until her tragic passing on the 12th of December 2022.

During this time, Rachel’s commitment, passion and unwavering service matured and she became a much-loved and respected member of that community.

MATTHEW ARNOLD

Matthew was born alongside his brother James and sister Hayley in the Mater Mothers Hospital Brisbane in 1996 to parents Terry and Sue.

After a few months living in Algester, the family moved to a bigger home in Parkinson where they have remained.

Matthew’s father is the company director of their family business and Sue lovingly looked after the family at home until returning to work when the triplets were in grade 3.

Matthew’s dream to become a police officer first started when he was in grade 9 at St Laurence’s College.

His father Terry mentioned this to several police dads at St Lauries who threatened to take him to visit the watch house on a Friday night.

His passion however, never dissipated despite these warnings.

Matthew Arnold was born in Brisbane in 1996.

During high school, Matthew initially excelled at cricket, playing A grade and scoring 105 off 54 balls.

Matthew then decided to give volleyball a go and went on to represent Australia in the Australian schoolboys side.

He continued his love of volleyball after school, dedicating his time to coaching teams at St Lauries and Loreto College.

Matthew commenced university after leaving school, firstly starting a human movements course at the Australian Catholic University, before moving to secondary teaching at the University of Southern Queensland.

Matthew worked for the solstice Mexican restaurant chain, starting in a store and eventually being picked up by the brand to travel the country assisting new stores opening and providing training for staff.

After a gap year, Matthew was introduced to the idea of security work and completed a certificate four in security.

Matthew had applied for the police academy and was waiting to hear back when he commenced his career at security.

Matthew’s highlights were working at VIP functions at Howard Smith Wharves and the Fox Hotel where he had met several celebrities including Maggie Beer, Matt Moran, and actor Billy Zane.

Matthew Arnold was the eldest of triplets.

Though Matthew would never let go of his dream, which became a reality when he was accepted into the Queensland Police Service some three months after his first security job.

Matthew’s commitment to service life commenced at the Queensland Police Academy on the 18th of November 2019 at Oxley as a recruit.

Whilst at the academy, Matthew excelled at all his studies.

His facilitators remember him as a lovely, kind, young man with a cheeky disposition and always smiling.

He was someone that got along with everyone and the type of person that you could rely on.

Matthew graduated from the academy on the 27th of March 2020 and began his career as a general duty police officer at Dalby Police Station.

Matthew was well liked by everyone at the station and his passion for policing grew very quickly.

He quickly moved through the first year constable development program and after a year of dedicated service was confirmed as a constable of police.

On the 23rd of April 2021, Matthew transferred to the Tara Police Station and remained at the police station until his tragic passing on the 12th of December 2022.

In his time at the station Matthew was extremely well-respected and always dedicated his time to community.

Matthew and Rachel were colleagues and friends who have been taken from us far too soon.

They were committed and enjoyed their policing careers and their passing is a tragic loss.

Constable Matthew Arnold excelled in sport.

Both the Queensland Police Service and the community have lost two exceptional police officers.

Matthew and Rachel created positive impressions on the sworn and unsworn members of the QPS, members of the community, and touched the lives of countless individuals and families in ways that cannot be expressed in words alone.

I would like to acknowledge Matthew’s and Rachel’s professionalism and dedication to the QPS by awarding them the following awards.

The National Police Service Medal and National Medal are two national-level service medals which awards from the Australian awards and honours system.

They are approved by the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

These two medals are usually awarded to Australian police officers in recognition of 15 years of diligent and ethical service as a police officer and for protecting life and property.

These two medals can be awarded in circumstances when police officer’s services have been cut short.

I thank His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC who has posthumously awarded these two national level award medals to Matthew and Rachel.

Similarly, the Queensland Police Service Medal may be awarded in similar circumstances.

This medal is usually awarded after a member of the QPS has ten years of service or ethical and diligent service and it is my great honour to posthumously award these to our two young constables.

Constable Matthew Arnold has posthumously awarded the Police Valour Medal.

Finally, the acknowledgement of the exceptional bravery displayed by Matthew and Rachel, I have posthumously awarded them the Police Valour Medal, which is the highest bravery award the Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service can award.

The Queensland community has been well and truly served by Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow.

And the Queensland Police Service is a better organisation for having had Matthew and Rachel as our valued members.

They are and will continue to be greatly missed.

On behalf of the Queensland Police Service we extend our deepest sympathies to Matthew’s parents Terry and Sue, his sister Hayley and brother James.

We extend our sympathies to Rachel’s parents Judy and Wayne and to her sister Samantha.

Thoughts and prayers are with you all -now and always.

Today we say farewell to Matthew and Rachel, forevermore our colleagues and friends.

They served with honour, but it was we who were honoured to have known and served with them.

EULOGY FOR MATTHEW ARNOLD: SEN SGT LAURA HARRISS

It is my profound honour to speak on behalf of my dear friends, the beautiful Arnold family.

It is impossible for words to do justice to the brave, loyal and kind man that was Matthew Joseph Arnold.

It is overwhelming to see just how many lives he touched and how many lives were made brighter having known him.

We know that if Matt were here he would be honoured to see such amazing support from everyone in the community and the Queensland Police Service.

The police truly were a second family to Matt and we know he would be so appreciative of everything they have done for us during this devastating time.

Matthew Arnold was the eldest of triplets. Picture: Sky News,

His eulogy described him as a leader and an inspiration. Picture: Sky News,

We knew from a young age that Matt would go on to dedicate his life in the service of others.

As a triplet, Matt was the older brother by just a few minutes but this made him no less of a big brother to his siblings.

He was also a protector, a leader, and a big brother to all those who knew him.

He was a big man with an even bigger heart so filled with love for everyone around him.

At school Matt was a role model for everyone whether it was captaining a sports team, acting as a peer mentor for younger students, coaching, or leading school camps, he inspired greatness in those around him.

Matt’s smile and charisma were his best tools and he used them relentlessly.

He realised there were two ways to get through high school: The first option was dedication to study. The second was charm. He chose the latter.

Such a broad, cheeky smile -always got him out of trouble, particularly during parent teacher interviews.

As Matthew was about to graduate from school, it was customary for the Year 12s to receive letters from their parents containing fond memories and proud moments.

An image of Constable Matthew Arnold as a child, revealed during the public memorial service at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

In Matthew’s letter it read: You have been blessed with height and people will have to look up to you during your lifetime. The important thing is to be the kind of man that makes them want to.

Nearly ten years later, we can now say with certainty that Matthew took this advice to heart.

What we’ve come to realise since his passing was that Matt excelled in positions where he was able to work with others and grow from the experience.

Whether this was through competition on the sporting field or working with his family in the police service, Matthew was a leader and an inspiration in environments where he was surrounded by those he loved.

Other words written to Matt in his Year 12 letter included: Matt, you have an incredible life ahead of you, make your life whatever you want it to be, find your passion, the thing that makes your heart sing and then follow that path to wherever it leads.

Matt was so proud to be a police officer and it was clear he found his true passion and purpose.

We are so proud of the man he became.

Matt you deserved so much more from the public you lived to protect.

You are a hero and will never be forgotten.

May your name and memory never leave the mind of others.

We love you always. We love you forever.

I will leave you with a quote directly from Matt, from a message he wrote in reply to his parents Year 12 retreat letter.

Matt wrote: Thank you for everything. I may be gone someday, soon perhaps, but just know that I will never leave you. I will cherish every moment we’ve had together in my heart forever.

Vale Constable Matthew Arnold. Son, brother, friend, police officer.

EULOGY FOR RACHEL MCCROW: SEN CONST MELISSA GIBSON

Good morning, I stand here today as a representative of multiple families in grief. Rach and Matty’s immediate family, their family in blue and a community both in shock and in mourning.

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Mel and it is both a privilege and an honour to be able to stand here and be able to tell you about my mate Rachel.

Rach was so much more than the uniform she so proudly wore.

She was a daughter, a sister, a friend, a colleague and an amazing mum to her beloved four-legged Archibald.

Family was everything to Rach and she was everything to them.

Rach was simply one of a kind. She could literally light up any room in the darkest of days with her beautiful, infectious smile and those pearly white teeth.

She was the kindest and most positive person I know. She had the purest of souls and the warmest of hearts.

Constable McCrow with pet Archibald. Picture: Sky News

Constable Rachel McCrow during her travels. Picture: Sky News

Rach was the very essence of compassion and selflessness which are two of the characteristics that made her such an incredible police officer and an even better friend.

Behind all of that, was this cheeky larrikin who loved a laugh, loved a good prank and loved a good meme, often at our expense.

There will never be enough words to truly express how amazing she was or how lucky we all were to have crossed paths with her.

To Rachel’s brothers in blue who showed an enormous amount of courage to go in and bring her out -thank you for not leaving our sister behind.

And to Rachel’s remaining brothers and sisters in blue, I know she would be proud of you for continuing to kit up and show up to protect the community in your efforts to make the world a better place.

For every bit of evil in this world, Rach more than anyone would be reminding us that there are still good people who need our help.

Rach, I’m so proud of you for the courage you displayed in your final moments and for being the fighter that you are.

I’m so sorry that I wasn’t there for you when you needed me the most. That is something that will forever haunt me.

Thank you for coming into my life and impacting it in such a beautiful and positive way.

I’m a better person for having known you and I hope you knew how much I loved you.

I take comfort in knowing you;ll continue to have my back up there and I’ll see you and those pearly white teeth again one day.

How lucky are we to have had someone that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Heaven has truly gained an angel. Fly high beautiful girl.

With honour and courage you served.

EULOGY FOR RACHEL MCCROW: CONSTABLE FREDDY HARTIGAN

It is with honour that I stand here as a fellow member of the Townsville Academy intake 44 and as a loving friend of Constable Rachel McCrow.

Rach started her policing career at the Townsville Academy in January 2021.

Rach was eleven recruit at the luxury accommodation that is the Bessell Lodge.

Rach was stuck with us for 24 hours a day for six months until she marched out with incredible pride as a sworn police officer in June 2021.

Rachel exceeded every benchmark in every aspect of academy life.

She achieved excellent results in academic testing, she was dedicated to physical fitness and fierce in a wrestle.

But for every drop of sweat Rach put in for herself, she genuinely would put ten in for the team.

Rach organised group runs and early morning beep tests for those that were struggling with their fitness.

Constable Rachel McCrow was honoured by a classmates from the Townsville Police Academy. Picture: Sky News,

She volunteered as a driving instructor, volunteered at a charity swim for multiple sclerosis research, and volunteered selling raffle tickets at the Cowboys House Boarding School, parading around Cowboys stadium like an absolute fool.

Rach provided study sessions to recruits who needed it. Everything was done in such a genuine and loving way.

And Rach saved me and Nath multiple times by giving us her study cards the day before the exam.

Fresh out of the academy, Rach was posted to Dalby Police Station and from there continued to serve in Queensland’s southwest.

With the majority of intake 44 in Townsville being posted to the Far North of Queensland, I know a lot of 44 regret losing contact with Rach as they started their own policing career.

But 44 is here with you today Rach.

Burnsey and the team from Townsville have come down, the girls from Mackay are here, the lads from Coen had to drive down.

Gins, Charleville, Bamaga, Mount Isa, Aurukun, Rachel you are truly the only person that could have brought us all together.

You were the police officer that the world now so loudly demands.

Constable Rachel McCrow was remembered for being generous with her time for colleagues.

A copper who deals in fairness, respect and love. A copper who truly listens, a copper who deeply cares.

A copper with a strong sense of justice and a copper who will fight to protect those they’ve sworn to serve.

Rach, you spoke about the desire to work in child protection and youth justice. That would have been the first career step of many for you.

I could see you achieving the rank of the officer that has supported your family with such beauty and vulnerability this week -the Police Commissioner.

Judy, you raised Rach and Sam into such beautiful, strong and intelligent women.

Rach was so proud of mumma McCrow. The world will know about the sacrifices you made to raising Rach as such a wonderful woman.

Dr Judy, being asked by you to speak today, is the greatest honour of my life.

Sam, Jess, Jade, Jake, Toy, Andy, thank you for taking me in to sharing your memories of Rach with me.

You are all as amazingly beautiful as Rach described.

The blue family is forever here with you.

Rach you will forever mean so much to us.

You were the lynchpin holding our eccentric groups of recruits together.

You were welcomed and then adored by every person and every group by just being you -the absolutely goof that we love.

Rach, you will forever mean so much to me.

We are struggling, Rach, but we will continue to tell your story.

We will tell of your dedication, we will tell of your laughter, we will tell of your warmth, we will tell with honour you served.

Originally published as Eulogies for Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold