Slain police officers Rachel and McCrow, Matthew Arnold mourned by Mackay community

Daily Mercury, Mackay

Journalist: Janess Ekert

The Mackay community has paid tribute to the two young police officers gunned down execution-style following an ambush at a regional property on the Western Darling Downs.

Constable Rachel McCrow, 29 and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, were murdered in cold-blood at a Wains Rd, Wieambilla address during a routine missing persons inquiry about 4.40pm on December 12.

A neighbour – Alan Dare – was also shot and killed by armed gunmen dressed in camouflage. About 10.30pm, two men and a woman were killed in a firefight with special operations police.

“It’s an absolute tragedy for the family and the friends of Constables Arnold and McCrow,” Mackay District Superintendent Graeme Paine said on Tuesday.

“It’s a really sad day for the organisation.

“It’s a difficult job that police do … we’re exposed to some dangerous situations at times.

“And it’s a job where officers to have to put themselves in harms way to protect and serve the community.”

Superintendent Paine described the loss as “tragic, horrific, confronting” and said it resonated with every officer.

“A lot of us have attended jobs where they’re dangerous situations and anything could have happened … the job could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life,” he said.

“Even though we are well trained … well prepared, we are exposed, we are vulnerable.”

Superintendent Paine said the show of solidarity from the Mackay community was “incredibly heartening”.

“From a policing point of view we serve the local community, but we see ourselves as part of that community,” he said.

“We’ve received flowers … had people inquiring about condolence books … people approaching (officers) in the street.”

Two other officers also came under attack, but Constable Keely Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both aged 28, managed to escape.

On Tuesday, members of the community left floral tributes outside the Sydney St police station, beneath the two flags flying at half mast in their honour.

“When everyone else is running away from the danger the police are running towards it,” Dawson MP Andrew Wilcox said as he paid tribute to the two fallen junior constables.
“It’s nothing short of a tragedy.

“Everyone who goes to work should have the right to go home and go home safely.”

Mr Willcox said the massacre would send shockwaves across small communities.

“My heart goes out to the families of the victims, the police and the civilians,” Mr Willcox said on Tuesday morning.

“I haven’t got a lot of words for it.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the Queensland Police Service.

“Now we’ve had these young people who have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their life just to keep the community safe.

“It’s just devastating.”

Burdekin MP Dale Last said his thoughts were with the family, colleagues and friends of constables McCrow and Arnold and Mr Dare.

“Like every Queenslander, I condemn the actions of those responsible for this barbaric act,” Mr Last said.

“As we wait for the facts and circumstances to be established, it’s critical for the officers involved, their families, friends and colleagues to know that their community supports them and that Queenslanders are here for them and always will be.

“I want to acknowledge the actions of police and other emergency services who responded to this incident.

“To paraphrase the police ode, constables McCrow and Arnold fought the good fight and put service above self.

“Peace is their reward for that service along with a place in the hearts and memories of all Queenslanders.”