Warwick Police gathered outside the station on 29 September to observe National Police Remembrance Day.
“Today we remember and honour the Queensland police officers who have been killed in the line of duty,” they stated.
“We also remember and honour those whose deaths did not occur as a consequence of their duty.”
The service, held at 2:15pm, was attended by the Southern Downs Ex-Services Association, Southern Downs Regional Council, Crime Stoppers, and various local schools including Scots PGC.
Inspector David Preston from the Warwick Patrol Group gave the Commissioner’s Address, while Acting Inspector Jamie Deacon and Senior Constable Gavin McLucas gave the Act of Remembrance and Honour Roll.
“Today there are 18 candles burning.
“These candles are burning in memory of the lives of 18 police officers who died in the line of duty, as they served the Queensland Police Service in Southern Region.”
Candles were lit to honour Constable Matthew Connolly, Constable William Dwyer, Constable James Sangster, Constable Thomas Black, Constable George Doyle, Constable 1/C Charles O’Kearney, Sub-Inspector Michael Broderick, Constable Eugene Nugent (WW1), Constable Joseph Thompson (WW1), Constable Daryl Dobbs (WW1), Constable Douglas Nicol, Sergeant Arthur Neden, Detective Senior Constable Douglas Ney, Constable Noel Steele, Sergeant Richard Harris, PC Senior Constable Robert Moody, Constable Damien Gerard Acutt, and Senior Constable Brett Forte.
Senior Constable David Masters, who lost his life in the line of duty earlier this year, was also honoured and has had his named added to the Queensland Police Service Honour Roll and Memorials.
Sergeant Des Neijens read the police ode before those in attendance observed a moment of silence.
As the sun surely sets, dawn will see it arise,
For service above self, demands its own prize.
You have fought the good fight, life’s race has been run,
And peace your reward, for eternity begun.
And we that are left, shall never forget,
Rest in peace friend and colleague, for the sun has now set.
We will, remember.
