Michael Warren

Journalist

The Mossman community has joined Queensland and the nation in expressing their condolences and heartfelt love following an incident in rural Queensland that left two officers dead and others with injuries.

In a letter publicly released to Far North residents a short time ago QPS thanked the public for their unwavering show of support.

“To the Far North community, we sincerely thank you for the generous support you have given to our officers over the past 48 hours,” the statement read.

“Tragically, we lost two fine young officers and a brave community member at a horrific incident in the Western Downs region on December 12.

“A loss that most of us are still coming to terms with, our police family immediately kicked into action providing support to one another. That support has also been extended to the two officers that managed to escape with their lives.

“Several officers stationed in the Far North have close connections with the officers involved, however the impact of the tragedy if felt by us all.

“What we didn’t expect, was the outpouring of support from our community.

“Stations across the Far North were inundated with flowers, card, chocolates, pastries, donuts and generous donations to the Queensland Police Union Fund to support the families of Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold.

“Not to mention the outpouring of messages shown on our social media pages.”

QPS confirmed Mossman residents have united in a show of solidarity for the officers.

“(In recent days) community members attended the (Mossman) station in person to thank officers for the job they do and to remind them that they are respected by the Mossman community for the job they do in protecting residents,” QPS noted.

“A local solicitor also took the time to email the station and express his condolences and thanks to officers.”