TRIBUTES FL OW FOR SLAIN OFFICER
ON M Monday,d j justt lik like any otherh d day, Senior Constable Brett Forte put on the uniform his family knew too well, said goodbye to his children, and headed to work.
It had been 15 years of this. Of helping when help was needed. Car crashes, domestics, robberies and more. He’d seen human failings and worked each day to make the world a little safer – for his kids, for everyone.
He’d knocked on doors, tracked down criminals with outstanding warrants.
Most weren’t Some were.
Monday was a day like this. Police in Toowoomba had received reports of a high- powered weapon being fired at the property of a known criminal. Rick Maddison, a violent man with a hatred of police, had outstanding warrants.
Sen Constable Forte set off to do his job – and died doing it.
“If ever a person epitomised the broader police family, Brett is it,” too dangerous. Police Commissioner said yesterday.
“His dad was a police officer, his wife is a police officer, his brotherin- law is a police officer.
“His passing yesterday is something that has sent shockwaves across our organisation and will be felt for many days, weeks, months, years to come.
“I simply want to pay tribute to Brett Forte, to the wonderful person, the wonderful police officer, the wonderful family man that he was.”
Sen Constable Forte followed his father and grandfather into the Queensland Police Service. He married Susan, also a police officer, and together they had three children aged 16, 9 and three.
Older brother Chris said Sen Constable Forte was destined to serve with the Queensland Police.
“He was a third- generation police officer, and very proud of that,” Chris said.
He said the family was overwhelmed by the hundreds of messa- Ian Stewart When disaster struck, locals stepped up. Celebrate the heroes who fought back when Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie and its aftermath smashed two states. ‘ Defying Debbie’ tells their stories of triumph and hope in a special commemorative publication on sale now. ges of support they had received and thanked everyone for sharing memories of a “respected cop” and “much- loved friend and family member”.
Within hours of Sen Constable Forte’s death, tributes began pouring in and people began arriving at Toowoomba police station to leave flowers outside.
“Fortie, we will miss you so much. You were such a great guy, husband to your beautiful wife, father to your gorgeous children, brother, son, uncle and friend. Taken too soon,” one friend wrote.
“He came to my assistance with his colleague when my ex- partner … was threatening to kill me and my son. Thank you to all the police and the hard work they do. What a lovely person,” a Toowoomba local wrote.
Police Union president Ian Leavers said he had spoken to his fatherin- law. “They are devastated. They’re grieving incredibly and they are still coming to terms with it.”