Slain police officers to be farewelled this morning

Posted by
Check your BMI

The nation will this morning farewell two police officers killed in last week's deadly ambush near Chinchilla in southern Queensland.

A memorial service in Brisbane for Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold is expected to be attended by 8000.

It will be held at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre from 10am AEST, following a wreath-laying ceremony from 9.30am.

READ MORE: Police arrest Sydney man wanted in relation to woman's murder

toonsbymoonlight

Thousands of others around Queensland are expected to gather at the same time around the state to pay tribute to the young officers murdered at the Wieambilla property.

Queensland Police Union leader Ian Leavers said it had been "a really difficult time" for police.

"Matthew and Rachel will be side by side," he said.

"They worked together, they died together, and they will be farewelled together."

While some dignitaries are expected to give speeches, he said, the main addresses would come from family and friends.

"In policing, we know sometimes we may go to work and we may never come home, and they've paid the ultimate sacrifice," Leavers told Today.

"For our families, we may leave one day and never come home. It brings back the reality of what we are prepared to do to keep the community safe."

McCrow and Arnold were killed when what was believed to be a routine missing persons check at the property last Monday, turned into a deadly ambush.

They were both gunned down by brothers Nathaniel and Gareth Train, along with Gareth's wife Stacey.

READ MORE: Perth freeway crash 'like something out of the movies'

Their fellow officers Keeley Brough and Randall Kirk survived, which Commissioner Katarina Carroll later said was a "miracle".

The Trains were killed later in the night during a shootout with specialist police.

Both Brough and Kirk will attend the service today.

The coffins of Arnold and McCrow will be met by a 1.5km police guard of honour.

READ MORE: Survivor found from Thai navy ship days later

Other attendees will include Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland Governor Dr Jeanette Young, and police commissioners from around the country.

The public memorial will be followed by private funeral services for both officers.

A live stream of the public ceremony will be broadcast at sites around the state including Dalby, Chinchilla, Tara, Townsville, Cairns, and at King George Square in Brisbane.

Queensland Police have posted a full list of public viewing spaces online here.

People who wish to observe the memorial but are unable to attend in person can watch a live stream on 9News.com.au from 9.30am AEST.

Source: 9News