Police thank community for support after heartbreaking loss

Police from across the Moreton District have thanked the community for their support after the tragic death of Senior-Constable David Masters on Saturday.

They say it’s times like these when police members need to see how much the community respects what they do.

“Moreton you have not failed to shine,” they say.

“It is humbling to see the out-pouring of support as we continue to serve our community during this difficult time.”

Sen-Constable Masters grew up on the Redcliffe Peninsula, went to school here, did a trade at a local car dealership and met and married his wife here.

He then went on to police at Redcliffe, Bribie Island and the Mounted Unit and finally Deception Bay.

Sen-Constable Masters made his home in Moreton, raised his family here and was entrenched in his local community.

Loved husband, dad, mate

District Officer Superintendent John Hallam says the loss of their colleague is being felt widely across the community.

“Sen-Constable Masters was not only a highly dedicated police officer, but a much-loved husband, father, brother and mate,” Superintendent Hallam says.

“His tragic death has touched many across Moreton and beyond.

“Thank you for the tributes on social media, the flowers that have been left at the stations, doughnuts and even some people lighting their houses blue.

“Words cannot thank you enough.”

Premier offers condolences

Queensland Police, the Premier, Police Minister and Moreton Bay Regional Councillor Mark Booth have also offered condolences to Sen-Constable Masters’ family and colleagues.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll says Sen-Constable Masters’ death is an absolute tragedy for the Queensland Police Service and the entire Queensland community.

“It is with a very heavy heart we confirm the loss of one of our own, a senior constable who was working hard to protect his community,” Commissioner Carroll says.

“My sincerest condolences go out to (Sen-Constable Masters’) family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.

“This is devastating news for our police family and we are offering support to all officers and staff.

“Sadly, this incident demonstrates the dangers our officers face when working to keep our community safe each and every day.”

Thoughts are with family

The Queensland Police Union says Sen-Constable Masters, 53, left behind wife Sharon and son Jack, 21.

“Dave loved his family, the outdoors and camping with friends and family,” a statement from the union says.

“Dave was passionate about horses and cherished his time in the QPS Mounted Police Unit.

“Our thoughts are with Sharon, Jack, and all of Dave’s friends and family at this time.”

The union says Mrs Masters described her husband as being “…dedicated to his role within the community to keep the public safe”.

Councillor Booth (Div 2) paid tribute to Sen-Constable Masters for his service.

“We (have) lost a Burpengary East local hero, Dave lived in our community and served our community, being stationed at Deception Bay,” Cr Booth says.

“Whether it be seeing Dave at the local shops, at our local Neighbourhood Watch meetings or while on patrol, Dave was always friendly and keen for a chat.

“We will all miss him and the jovial spirit he brought with him.”

In a joint statement, Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk and Police Minister Mark Ryan extended their sympathies to Sen-Constable Masters’ family, friends and colleagues.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible tragedy,” they say.

“Sen-Constable Masters lost his life while protecting the lives of others.

“Police put themselves in the line of danger every day to protect us and keep us safe, and, tragically, they lost one of their own.”

Terrible loss

Sen-Constable Masters died in the early hours of Saturday after being hit by a car while on duty at Burpengary investigating reports of a stolen vehicle.

A 24-year-old woman has been charged with one count each of murder, arson (motor vehicle) and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Investigations by the Homicide Investigation Unit and Ethical Standards Command are continuing.

The Police Union has established a bank account for the benefit of Sen-Constable Masters’ family.

Donations can be made to the David Masters Remembrance Fund, BSB 704-052, account number 100204707.

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