Statement by Ian Leavers released to all police in Queensland and interstate:
Please attribute to Qld Police Union president, Ian Leavers:
"As you may be aware, it is with great sadness that I e-mail you to inform you of the tragic death of one of our members.
Today we pay tribute to Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding who has tragically succumbed to catastrophic injuries today, that he sustained when he was shot by an alleged armed robber whilst on duty last Sunday night when he was called out to attend an armed robbery at Pacific Pines Tavern on the Gold Coast.
Detective Snr Const Leeding was a brave and courageous officer and a role model who was killed on duty doing the job he loved and whilst he was keeping the community safe.
Detective Snr Const Leeding performed his duties with courage, integrity and honour.
It is a heartbreaking day for the entire community to lose such a fine young man.
All police officers, along with their friends and families, across Queensland have been shaken and saddened by today and this week’s tragic events.
I have been on the scene since Damian was shot, the hospital and at his home police station of Coomera, with our South Eastern Region Union representative, Bob Smithson since the moment Damian was shot, I have had the great privilege of being with his family and his friends and co workers at the very end, just before 1pm today.
I thank and acknowledge Bob for the support, assistance and pastoral care he has provided officers in South Eastern Region.
Our hearts go out to Damian’s wife Sonya, also a police officer, and his two beautiful young children, Hudson, 2, and Grace, 3 months. The Union knows that it is a very difficult time for Sonya, and as a member of our union, and we will make sure that there will be nothing we will not be willing to do to help her, Hudson, Grace and Damian’s extended family through this difficult time.
This incident once again highlights the inherent danger involved in police work.
All Police Officers put their lives on the line every time they pull on the uniform and commence their duty shift.
The death of a colleague is also a very emotional and challenging time for the officers involved, indeed for the entire police community.
Today’s events have reminded us that our job as police is always dangerous, it never stops, and it comes at a heavy cost to us all.
It is also a stark reminder of what we risk every day; that when we leave home to go to work each day there are never any guarantees we will come home at the end of the day.
Detective Snr Const Leeding was a person whose life was cut tragically short, and we Queensland police remember and honour him.
We weep for we know that Damian will never get the chance to hug his children again. He will never get the chance to kiss his wife again.
As an avid and excelling sportsman, he will never get to know the joys of kicking a footy in the park with his kids, and they will never get the opportunity, like those of us who knew Damian, to get to know just how much of a great bloke their father was.
Damian was a carpenter and builder before he was a police officer and continued this profession on weekends and many police owe their back decks and home renovations to Damian’s expertise.
He was an avid Broncos supporter and his prized Broncos jersey was draped over his bed right up until he succumbed to his horrific gunshot injuries, and he and his family have been mercilessly denied the chance to now enjoy these pastimes with Damian ever again.
These opportunities have been cruelly denied to Damian and to Damian’s family for no other reason other than because Damian was doing his job.
We live in a world where evil people will do evil things, and I believe it is our duty to ensure the safety of people and property.
We are called the thin blue line for a reason. We are all that stands between this evil and keeping society safe.
We will not let Damian’s death be in vain, but now is not the time to start the blame game with the Queensland Government, now is the time to support and remember Damian, Sonya, Hudson and Grace in our thoughts and prayers.
We at the Queensland Police Union have established a bank account for those wishing to make a donation for the benefit of Detective Snr Const Damian Leeding’s family.
Donations can be made at either the Queensland Credit Union or any Westpac branch.
For those wishing to donate, the details for transferring funds are as follows:
Qld Police Credit Union Account:
Damian Leeding Remembrance Fund
BSB: 704 052
ACCOUNT NO: 1041646
Message to appear in account: (person’s name who is donating).
NB: If you are transferring funds from a Qld Police Credit Union Account, please add S1 to the end of the account number.
For those wishing to donate in person, this can be done at the Queensland Police Credit Union at North Quay in Brisbane, or any Westpac branch quoting the above details.
The Westpac account details are:
BSB: 034 838
Acct no: 251757
Ian Leavers
General President & CEO
Please do not respond to this email as this account is not monitored
Queensland Police Union of Employees
Contact: Simon Tutt 0459 241 291 or Stutt@qpu.asn.au
