Recognition of sacrifice
Critically wounded officer honoured at remembrance day ceremony
ASSISTANT police commissioner Mike Condon said he was “gutted” about an incident that left a Toowoomba trained police officer fighting for life.
Constable Peter McAulay, who had recently completed a Toowoomba tour, suffered critical head injuries and broken bones after being struck by a stolen vehicle in Goodna on Thursday.
He remains in an induced coma at Princess Alexandra hospital.
Speaking at the National Police Remembrance Day service, Assistant Commissioner Condon said the incident was a tragic reminder of the hardships of the job.
“When you hear about an incident like this one, it guts you,” he said.
“It just shows how fickle life is and how dangerous the role of policing can be.
“Constable McAulay was highly regarded by his peers. It is terrible how sometimes the forces of darkness line up when they do it’s out of everyone’s control.”
He said Mr McAulay’s family, who remained at the wounded constable’s bedside, had the support of the policing community.
The young constable was just one of many honoured during the National Police Remembrance Day ceremony.
The hour-long service recognised the deaths of 147 Australian police officers killed in the line of duty since 1861.
“It’s important that we never forget. We will always be here to support the family and loved ones of those lost,” Assistant Commissioner Condon said.