- Locations across Queensland host candlelight vigils the night before National Police Remembrance Day to honour the sacrifice of officers
- National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity for the community to pay their respects to officers killed on duty, as far back as the beginning of the Queensland Police Service in 1861
- The vigil involved commemorating the late Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, and their names were added to the National Police Memorial in Canberra.
The annual candlelight vigil is a traditional commemoration that takes place throughout Queensland, held on the eve of National Police Remembrance Day.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Police Minister Mark Ryan and Deputy Commissioner Cameron Harsley attended the candlelight vigil at the Queensland Police Memorial, to honour and pay tribute to fallen Queensland Police Service officers.
Tonight’s vigil served as an opportunity to honour the memory of our fallen officers, including the late Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow from the Queensland Police Service, and Constable Anthony Woods from Western Australia Police Force, whose names will be added to the National Police Memorial in Canberra tomorrow.
The vigil was held at the Queensland Police Memorial in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, where current and former police officers and families of fallen officers came together to pause, honour and remember officers whose lives have been lost in the line of duty since 1861.
Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
“We are so grateful for all the hard work our Queensland police officers do to keep their communities safe.
“Each year we are reminded of the police who have lost their lives in the line of duty and this year’s vigil will be especially significant as we honour the lives of Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow.
“We are committed to remembering them and every other Queensland Police Service officer this remembrance day.”
Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:
“Attending the Queensland Police National Police Remembrance Day Candlelight Vigil is a solemn privilege,” Minister Ryan said.
“It allowed us to stand together in remembrance of our brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“The addition of the late Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow’s names to the National Police Memorial is a poignant reminder of their service and sacrifice.
“We will not forget them or their sacrifice.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commissioner Cameron Harsley:
“This day serves as a testament to the enduring commitment of Queensland’s police personnel since 1861,” Deputy Commissioner Harsley said.
“We stand with the families who have suffered the loss of a loved one in service to our great state.
“Our police community has felt tremendous loss with the tragic deaths of Constables Arnold and McCrow, and it is critical that we continue to support one another as we encounter milestones like this.
“Tonight, we paused to acknowledge not just the sacrifice of officers who have lost their lives on duty, but also their families, friends and colleagues who continue to feel the loss of their loved ones every day.
“As we reflect on the past, we also look forward to a safer future, where the memory of our fallen officers continues to inspire the dedication and bravery of those who protect and serve Queensland.”
