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The families of two "bright, brave, thoughtful, and kind" police officers killed in a shooting ambush in rural Queensland have issued a statement for National Police Remembrance Day.
Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold were shot dead when they attended a property at Wieambilla in the Darling Downs, on December 12 last year.
They and two other police officers had attended the property to carry out a welfare check.
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Neighbour Alan Dare was also killed when he went to investigate.
The suspects, Nathaniel Train, his brother Gareth, and his sister-in-law Stacey, opened fire on the police after they entered the property.
Today, the families in a joint statement said Matthew and Rachel "epitomised what it meant to be a police officer" and had always put others before themselves.
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"Outside of work, they were loyal friends, full of laughter, a devoted daughter and dedicated son – they impacted the lives of everyone around them," the statement read.
"Every day, our families deeply miss their presence, and our love and pride in both Matthew and Rachel will never waver."
Deputy Commissioner Tracy Linford said earlier this year that the Trains had carried out a "religiously-motivated terrorist attack".
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The Trains were fatally shot by tactical police who entered the property hours later.
A pre-inquest earlier this year heard that there was no interaction between the police and the Trains before the latter opened fire.
An inquest into the incident is slated to begin next year.
Read the full statement from the Arnold and McCrow families below
Matthew and Rachel epitomised what it meant to be a police officer.
Bright, brave, thoughtful and kind. Always putting others before themselves.
Outside of work, they were loyal friends, full of laughter, a devoted daughter and dedicated son – they impacted the lives of everyone around them.
Every day, our families deeply miss their presence, and our love and pride in both Matthew and Rachel will never waver.
This National Police Remembrance Day, our families would like to extend our profound gratitude to every person who has shown kindness since December 12, 2022, the evil day our worlds shattered, and lives changed forever.
We want to thank local, state, national and international; people, groups, clubs, services, businesses and organisations for their support.
The messages, cards, flowers, fundraising and many other items and gestures of remembrance, are immensely appreciated.
Our thoughts and heartfelt empathy is also with all police families struggling with the loss of their loved one.
There are no words to express the pain, but we stand with you in remembering them today and every day.
We would also like to express our appreciation for the understanding and compassion shown, as we respectfully request privacy as our families continue to grieve.
May Matthew and Rachel, be remembered for their generous, loving and respected lives and the legacy they leave.
With honour they served.
