Memorial Service Held for Officers Killed in Deadly Ambush

A guard of honour is seen as police officers pay their respects in Brisbane, Australia on Dec. 21, 2022. Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Thousands gathered at a memorial service to honour and bid farewell to two fallen Queensland police officers killed during a deadly ambush.

The memorial service at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Dec. 21 was attended by thousands of police officers, community members, and political leaders from across the spectrum.

Two young constables, Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, died from gunshot wounds after they were ambushed at a Western Downs property in the rural area of Wieambilla on Dec. 12.

The atmosphere was solemn as the organisers carried out the service and offered tributes to the pair. Many audience members were seen trembling and weeping during the event.

Police Chaplain Jeffrey Baills, who hosted the service, told the mourning crowd that the slain officers reflected goodness in their lives.

The memorial service for Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold in Brisbane, Australia, on Dec. 21, 2022. AAP Image/Supplied by the Queensland Police Service

Memories of the Fallen

Senior Constable Melissa Gibson gave a eulogy and a reflective presentation to McCrow, saying she was so much more than a member of the police and was the essence of compassion and selflessness.

“For every bit of evil in this world, Rach, more than anyone, would be reminding us there are still good people who need our help,” she said.

In her speech, Gibson urged police officers to emulate the fallen female constable and asked them to return to serve their communities despite the grief.

Meanwhile, Senior Sergeant Laura Harriss told those present that her colleague Constable Arnold found his passion and life purpose through police work.

“He was a big man with an even bigger heart so filled with love for everyone around him,” she said.

Fallen Officers Awarded National Medals

At the event, the two police officers were awarded the Queensland Police Valour Medal, Queensland Police Service Medal, National Police Service Medal, and National Medal for their bravery and dedication to duty.

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll, who announced the award, said the loss of the two officers was tragic.

“Matthew and Rachel are colleagues and friends who have been taken from us far too soon,” she said.

“The Queensland Police Service and community have lost two exceptional police officers.”

The commissioner also said the pair had created a positive impression on their colleagues and the community while touching the lives of countless individuals and families.

Meanwhile, Baills described what happened on Dec. 12 as “un-Australian” and not something that belonged in the country.

“It was abhorrent. It was not of God. It was absolute evil,” he said.

“This barbaric act has shocked our community, and it’s irreparably damaged the Arnold family and the McCrow family.

“And we stand, and we sit with you in your grief today and in the days that lie ahead.”

A supplied undated combined image obtained Dec.13, 2022 shows Constable Matthew Arnold (left) and Constable Rachel McCrow. AAP Image/Supplied by Queensland Police

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk praised the slain officers’ bravery, saying they chose to face danger instead of run from it.

“From the smallest communities where Matthew and Rachel served, to our biggest cities, even around the world, we recognise and appreciate that every day, our police demonstrate heroism,” the premier said.

“In a sea of blue, on an ocean of tears, we will shoulder this burden together, we will rededicate ourselves to their example of there being far more good than there is evil.”

After the service concluded, thousands of police, dignitaries and ordinary people formed a guard of honour to see off the pair’s coffins, which were taken by hearse to private funerals.

The funeral procession was led by a motorcade of dozens of motorcycles, followed by the police band playing the bagpipes, mounted police, dog squad officers and patrol cars. Two police helicopters also circled in the sky.

Among the politicians attending the service were Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, opposition leader Peter Dutton, Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli, Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan, and Governor Jeannette Young.

A guard of honour is seen as police officers pay their respects in Brisbane, Australia on Dec. 21, 2022. Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The Deadly Ambush

On Dec. 12, four police officers went to a property in Wieambilla as part of a search for a missing person.

Constables Arnold and McCrow jumped a fence and walked up the driveway towards the house on the property, where they were met by a hail of bullets from Gareth Train, his wife Stacey, and brother Nathaniel.

Arnold and McCrow fell to the ground and were executed by the trio, while constables Keeley Brough and Randall Kirk managed to take cover.

The shooters were later killed when a team of specialist police laid siege to the property and engaged the trio in a firefight.

A total of six people lost their lives in the incident, including neighbour, Alan Dare, who came out to investigate.

Brough and Kirk suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

An investigation is currently underway. Investigators have not officially declared the shooters’ motive and are examining links between the trio and conspiracy theory forums.