Queensland cop died in a motorcycle accident during the Wall to Wall Ride for Fallen Officers event held in honor of those who gave their lives in the line of duty.
According to the New South Wales Police, the officer lost control of his bike and crashed near Glen Innes. The incident occurred just a day after the event’s participants left Brisbane.
The annual event, which started in Queensland’s capital, usually ends in Canberra for a memorial service.
The NSW Police noted that emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway after reports of a motorcycle crash at around 3:20 pm.
The police noted that the rider lost control of his bike and crashed into an embankment.
The public tried to help him immediately, but he eventually died at the scene. The incident will be reviewed by the NSW Police.
Steven Miles, the Premier of Queensland, offered his condolences to the law enforcers and their families following the tragic incident.
He noted that he was shocked to hear about the death of an off-duty officer during the Wall to Wall Ride.
The Queensland Police confirmed the death of their officer, who was identified as Brendan Wiblen.
He had been with the force for almost three decades and was participating in the Wall to Wall Ride event when the fatal accident occurred.
The charity event is held each year to honor the law enforcers who lost their lives in service.
For almost three decades, Wiblen was a part of the Queensland Police force. He was able to maintain a distinguished career during his time with the organization.
He most recently served as a district duty officer for the Gold Coast.
Before his death, Wiblen held various key positions within the organization. One of these was the Officer in Charge of the Southport Station.
The police force noted that it was deeply saddened by the officer’s death, but it noted that his family requested that the Wall to Wall Ride continue as planned.
Mark Ryan, the Police Minister of Queensland, and Steve Gollschewski, the Commissioner of the Police force, released a statement to share their condolences.
They also paid tribute to the officer. Gollschewski referred to the fatal accident as a devastating incident.
In his statement, Gollschewski said that the police force was supporting the family and friends of Wiblen. It was a tragic loss for the entire organization, especially the officers on the Gold Coast who worked closely with him.
The passing of Wiblen has a significant impact on the members of the police force, who regarded him as a friend and a leader.
Brian Swan, the Assistant Commissioner of the South Eastern Region, also paid tribute to the officer. He noted that his contributions to the community would not be forgotten.
Gollschewski stated that the police family was in grief and would support the Wiblen family during this difficult time.
