Queensland Mounted Police honour for Dave Masters

The Queensland Mounted Police Unit complex was yesterday renamed in honour of Senior Constable Dave Masters, who was killed in the line of duty at Burpengary in 2021.

The renaming ceremony was part of celebrations marking 50 years of Queensland Mounted Police service.

The Moggill complex, which opened in February 1997, is an integral part of the state's policing strategy, supporting frontline officers with a team of 13 staff members and 11 heavy horses.

Sen-Constable Masters served with Queensland Police for a decade, with a diverse career that included four years as a full-time Mounted Patrol officer, from May 2015 to May 2019.

After his time with Queensland Mounted Police, he transferred to Deception Bay Police Station. He also spent time at Redcliffe and Bribie Island.

Sen-Constable Masters was fatally injured while deploying road spikes to stop a stolen vehicle on the Bruce Highway at Burpengary while on duty on June 26, 2021.

Members of Sen-Constable Masters' family attended the ceremony, reflecting the impact of his loss on his loved ones and the wider police community.

Inspiring future generations

Police Minister and Morayfield MP Mark Ryan says the ceremony was a fitting tribute to Sen-Constable Masters.

“Renaming the Queensland Mounted Police Unit complex in his honour ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of officers,” Mr Ryan says.

“His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Courage and dedication

Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy says Sen-Constable Masters was an outstanding member of the Mounted Police Unit, known for his professionalism, courage, dedication and friendship.

“His loss is still deeply felt by his colleagues and the entire police family,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy says.

“Renaming our complex in his honour ensures Dave’s memory will forever be preserved in the hearts and minds of QPS members and the community.

“It is with great pride that the QPS celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Queensland Mounted Police and the incredible capability they provide to frontline policing.”

In July, the Deception Bay Overpass, which spans the Bruce Highway at Deception Bay Rd, was named the Dave Masters Memorial Bridge.

Shortly after his death, the community created a special memorial at Deception Bay’s Fairy Way and in 2022 Guide Dogs Queensland named a pup after him.