Police Remembrance Day Honours Lives Lost

It was National Police Remembrance Day last week and officers from around the region gathered in Bowen to commemorate emergency service personnel that had lost their lives.

This was especially poignant for the Bowen Police community who lost one of their own to cancer less than a year ago.

Sergeant Ryan Gregory is missed by everyone who knew him.

The sombre occasion took place at the Baptist Church on Argyle Street Thursday morning with over 30 police gathering to quietly remember officers and their families.

A special memorial took place to honour Sergeant Gregory with a tribute from his parents, Ian and Jeanette Gregory, read out at the ceremony to honour his memory and also his grandfather, Donald Gregory, who served with Queensland Police for many years.

Officer in charge of the Bowen Police Station, Craig McConnell, said that Police Remembrance Day was the only ceremonial occasion where officers from Bowen, Proserpine and Cannonvale gathered, making the event even more significant.

“It’s a very important part of the year for us. It gives us the opportunity to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

“It also reminds us why we got into this job: to serve the community and do the best we can.”

Deputy Mayor Gary Simpson was in attendance on the day and said it was a touching ceremony.

“It was nice to honour the lives of those that had served and lost their lives,” he said.

Councillor Michelle wright was also present on the day.

“It was good to support our local police service and the fantastic work they do every day,” she said.

“They put their lives on the line every day to help keep us safe, so it is only fair we support them on this day.”

The community are reminded that this service is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend the next Police Remembrance Day which will be held in Cannonvale on September 29 next year.

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