Thanks given to police
Onlookers applaud marchers
MORE than 100 police officers from both sides of the Queensland/NSW border have been applauded by onlookers as they marched down the main street of Coolangatta yesterday for Police Remembrance Day.
Officers and supporters later filled pews St Augustin’s Catholic Church where thoughts and prayers turned to fallen officers, and also to Constable Peter McAulay who remains in a critical condition after he was struck by a stolen car in Ipswich a day earlier.
South Eastern Police Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Wilkins told the service it was a powerful reminder of the dangers police face.
“It drives home to us the inherent dangers of policing our members come across every day,” he said.
“My job is to make sure my officers come to work, do their job safely, leave their job uninjured and go home to their families.
“Unfortunately that didn’t happen to one of our members yesterday, I wish him all the best.”
Superintendent Wayne Starling said it was important that NSW, Queensland and Australian Federal Police march together.
“It’s so special, crims don’t have a border and nor do we, we’re one policing family,” Supt Starling said.
Police Chaplain Dan Talbot took the opportunity to thank officers present, something he said did not happen often enough.
“Each and every day you serve our community with honour, which means you serve our community with love,” Mr Talbot told the service. “Every day that you serve, you know you are willing to lay down your life for your family and your friends, for the community, and for that I want to say thank you.
“Because I don’t think you get thanked enough for what you do each and every day.”
He said the importance of police serving the community should never be underestimated.
“When you get up each day for work you never really know what you’re going to face and yet you still turn up,” Mr Talbot said.
“There are days where the unexpected happens but you still turn up. Today we remember those who turned up in the past.”