REMEMBERING THOSE WHO DIED IN BLUE
FOR the Darling Downs’ top officer, National Police Remembrance Day brings back memories of servicemen and women who died protecting their community.
Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon said his childhood friend and colleague Constable Michael Lowe was responding to a routine domestic violence incident in Rockhampton in 1984 when he was murdered.
“I reflect on the sacrifice he made,” Mr Condon said.
Mr Condon joined hundreds of sworn police officers at two ceremonies to mark the day – one a candlelight vigil at the Toowoomba Police Station on Tuesday and the other a service at St Patrick’s Cathedral yesterday.
Memories of Senior Constable David Masters featured heavily in both services. He was killed on the Bruce Highway while laying road spikes to stop a stolen car on June 26.
Mr Condon said his passing was a reminder that police officers faced unknown dangers when they went to work protecting and serving the community.
“Sadly sometimes those dangers take the life of one of our colleagues,” he said.
While the day is sombre, it’s not all sad.
“It is also a proud day where we acknowledge the work our officers and staff do to keep the community safe in these challenging times,” Mr Condon said.