Honouring fallen mates
(Police officers) take a considerable risk each day they go to work in the name of making Queensland safe.
A MOMENT’S silence was observed for the senseless and tragic death of Senior Constable David Masters in an alleged hit-and-run, during a solemn National Police Remembrance Day service in Ingham on Wednesday.
Queensland Police Service Inspector Damien Crosby said every serving Queensland Police Service officer “takes a considerable risk each day they go to work in the name of making Queensland safe”.
“The honourable commitment they make deserves to be recognised, hence the importance of this day for us as a service,” he said.
“Together we pause, we reflect and we honour those who have served with us and alongside us and made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Inspector Crosby said Constable Masters’ name had been added to the Queensland Police Service Honour Roll, taking the total to 148 officers who had died in the line of duty since 1861.
He said the Deception Bay Police Station officer was serving on the Bruce Highway at Burpengary on June 26.
“At 3am in the morning, he deployed road spikes across the highway (attempting to stop a driver),” he said.
“The driver swerved and struck Senior Constable Masters, resulting in fatal injuries.”
Inspector Crosby said QPS also honoured the memory of two other Australian officers whose names had been added to the National Police Mem
orial, Detective Senior Constable Michael James Cursiter of the Western Australia Police Force and Senior Constable Kelly Foster from NSW.
“We acknowledge the commitment, dedication and bravery of all past, present
and future police officers.”
Inspector Crosby said the service was also a time to mark the deaths of both sworn and non-sworn colleagues during the past year.
“These members have contributed to what the service is today by displaying integrity,
professionalism and they will be truly missed,” he said.
“Today is about remembering all our fallen colleagues and continuing our own commitment to serving our communities and keeping people safe.”
The service was attended
by all branches of the emergency services, Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto and Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo.
Reverend Dr Rosemary Dunn, in opening the service, thanked Queensland Police Service for 150 years of service protecting communities.
“Remember those men and women who have served in police services throughout Australia and the south west Pacific, whose lives have been lived and lost in the struggle of good over evil and for the welfare of others,” she said.