A dark cloud hangs over the entire Australian police community today after the deaths of two young Queensland police officers in the line of duty.
The Tara-based constables, a man and a woman, both in their twenties, attended a property in Wieambilla, 300km west of Brisbane, yesterday afternoon (December 12).
They, along with two other officers, were there to follow up on a report of a missing person.
It is now clear that, as the two officers approached the property, two gunmen shot them at close range.
One of the other officers was also shot and suffered a leg wound but was rushed to hospital and has survived.
One civilian, reportedly a neighbour, was shot and died tragically at the scene.
The fourth police officer managed to escape into scrubland and avoid physical injury.
Specialist Queensland police responded and, in an ensuing siege, the gunmen and a woman were fatally shot around 10:30pm.
Police Association president Mark Carroll said the killers’ wanton disregard for the lives of the police officers and the civilian they slaughtered is clear.
He said the crimes of each gunmen will come with a crushing impact on police officers and the local community.
“Never should a police officer – committed to his or her duty, colleagues, and community – die in circumstances like these, ” he said.
“Although we understand the realities of police work, we still hope that an agonizing loss like this will never happen, but it has, again.
“Words are pretty much useless right now. They don’t come close to easing the pain of the families, friends and colleagues of the lost.
“And in each jurisdiction, we know well the nature of that pain.
“We can and should proclaim our genuine sorrow. But the best that we can do now, as a union and as individuals, is give those families and friends the greatest support possible.
“It is what their beloved lost would have wanted us to do, and it is how we honour our fallen, in any jurisdiction. In policing, we are all a family.”
Mr Carroll also said it was critically important for police officers to talk to each other and to their families, including their children.
“This is not a time to withdraw or bottle up emotions,” he said.
“Talking does help, and children need clear explanations and reassurance.
“I remind our members of the option of contacting Employee Assistance Section for support and/or advice.”
Details of the fundraising efforts for the families of the slain officers are available on the Queensland Police Union of Employees social media sites.
