By Jeremy Sollars
A young Goodna police officer was in the thoughts of those who attended today’s Police Remembrance Day Service at Warwick’s Uniting Church.
Constable Peter McAulay remains in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a vehicle at Booval in the east of Ipswich City earlier today, Friday 28 September.
Constable McAulay – whose partner is a police officer who was previously stationed in Warwick – was setting up road spikes on Booval’s main thoroughfare, Brisbane Road, in an attempt to stop a stolen car when a vehicle allegedly driven by a 16 year old male struck and dragged him several metres down the road.
The 16 year old and his 15 year old passenger have both been charged with attempted murder and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
The 24 year old officer is fighting for his life in Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital after undergoing emergency surgery for head injuries and multiple broken bones.
Constable McAulay’s service to the community and that of Queensland police officers who have lost their lives while on duty was remembered at today’s service.
Police flag-bearers Senior Constables Dom Cremasco, Joe Cook and Matt Hagley were led into the church by pipers Sandy Dalziel and his daughter Abby.
Among the officers who lives were honoured during the service were 12 who have been historically entered on the National Police Honour Roll over the past year – including Sub-Inspector George Arthur Eppingstall, who lost his life on 21 November 1896 – and the nine officers who have died while on duty across Australia and the South West Pacific in the last 12 months.
