The Gold Coast Police family is mourning the loss of a highly-respected officer in a motorcycle crash in northern New South Wales.
Senior-Sergeant Brendan Wiblen crashed near Glen Innes yesterday afternoon while taking part in an organised memorial ride called ‘Wall 2 Wall Ride for Remembrance’.
The annual charity event honours police officers killed in the line of duty.
Queensland Police say Senior Sergeant Wiblen had a distinguished career spanning 28 years after joining the Queensland Police in 1996 and served as a District Duty Officer stationed at the Gold Coast.
Prior to this, the 58-year-old held several key roles within the Service, including Officer in Charge at Southport Station, where he was known for his leadership and commitment to the community.
Police Minister Mark Ryan has described his death as an absolute tragedy.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathies to all those who have been impacted by this cruelly tragic event,” Minister Ryan told Parliament.
“It’s almost beyond comprehension that this off-duty police officer should lose his life just as he is engaged in a memorial event in honour of other fallen police officers.”
Gold Coast Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon has described Senior Sergeant Wiblen as a dedicated police officer.
“It’s a tragedy and some people in our community are really, really hurting today,” Chief Superintendent Hanlon says.
“Brendan was a very professional police officer, he was certainly dedicated to his staff and the community of Queensland.”
