A memorial for two young constables gunned down in cold blood has been unveiled outside a rural Queensland police station, almost 18 months after the tragedy.
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The new monument for Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow in front of Dalby Police Station - where they started their careers - may serve as a reminder of their sacrifice.
But Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski believed the fallen officers would never be forgotten, regardless.
"Their tragic loss is something that we as an organisation never ever want to go through," he told reporters on Friday.
"But sadly we have and I think not only will we never forget them but the community will never forget them in the sacrifice that they've made."
Const Arnold, 26, and Const McCrow, 29, had been embraced by the Dalby community before they transferred to nearby Tara, west of Brisbane.
The pair were later ambushed on a routine check at a Wieambilla property in December 2022.
They had just jumped a fence at the site when Nathaniel, Gareth and Stacey Train opened fire and killed them.
"Matt and Rach did their first years in Dalby. They were very valued and loved members here," Dalby Police's Senior Sergeant Terry McCullough said.
"They kept a real connection with us and came to our social events and really remained part of the team here in Dalby."
Sen Sgt McCullough expected not only officers but members of the community to savour the station's new memorial.
"It really is fantastic to have that and it's for the public as well, because the whole thing affected our community," he said.
"They're welcome to come and sit there and reflect on their service and sacrifice as well."
Family members of the young constables were present at the memorial's unveiling, which coincided with the opening of the new-look Dalby station following a $19 million upgrade.
"It's kind of bittersweet. We see this wonderful facility for our officers and for our community out here that will take us into the future," Commissioner Gollschewski said.
"But (it's) also a great privilege to dedicate the memorial for Rachel and Matthew.
"We build on the legacy of others that have gone before us and particularly those that have made such a sacrifice."
Sen Sgt McCullough was the young constables' officer-in-charge at Dalby.
"They were really keen to work, they were keen to help people, they had really good attitudes, positive to the public and amongst their workmates," he said.
"They really were just a fantastic pair of young police.
"It's a great shame it happened to us here but we have to press on (and) just make sure we don't forget them."
Australian Associated Press
