Police, friends, families and colleagues gathered at the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Academy last night to honour the 151 police officers whose names are forever etched in our history after making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Held ahead of National Police Remembrance Day, the intimate candlelight vigil provided a quiet opportunity to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who lost their lives while serving Queensland.
As candles were lit throughout the evening, each represented one of the 151 officers remembered on the QPS honour roll, a lasting record of those who gave their lives in the course of their duty.
The vigil is a significant occasion providing an opportunity to remember not only the officers who have been lost, but the families, friends and colleagues who continue to carry their memories and legacies.
Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM said the vigil provided an important opportunity for the Service to pause and reflect on those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Last night, we paused to honour the officers who gave their lives protecting Queenslanders. Behind every name is a life, family, colleagues and community forever changed by their loss,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
“While it was a solemn occasion, it was also an opportunity to remember the extraordinary lives these officers lived and the contribution they made through their service.
“Their legacy endures through the generations of police officers who continue to serve Queensland.
“We honour their service and sacrifice. Their names will forever remain part of the history of policing in Queensland, and they will never be forgotten.”
The names on the honour roll span generations of Queensland policing, reflecting the men and women who served their communities with courage, dedication and commitment.
Their service and sacrifice of Queensland’s fallen officers remain part of the QPS Story, carried forward by those who follow in their footsteps.
As the candles were extinguished, the 151 names remained, a permanent reminder of those who gave everything in the service of others.
Alongside the officers remembered at last night’s vigil, the QPS extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of New South Wales police officer Constable Mia Lay, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty overnight.
The QPS stands with its extended blue family, the New South Wales Police Force and recognises them during this difficult time.
With honour they served.
