By Melissa Coleman
Horrific scenes unfolded late yesterday at Wieambilla, and now the Queensland Police Service can confirm the deaths of Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, and Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, during the incident at Wieambilla overnight.
A 58-year-old Wieambilla man from a neighbouring property also died during the siege, which occurred at an isolated rural residence.
Constable Keeley Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both 28 and from Chinchilla Station, were injured and are recovering in hospital.
Breanna Kirk, wife of Randall, have a one-year-old girl and are expecting their second child in January.
She spoke with Warwick Stanthorpe Today this morning.
The born and raised Stanthorpe mum said she talked to her husband last night.
“When I first spoke to Randall at the Chinchilla hospital last night, his first thoughts were for his colleagues,” Mrs Kirk said.
“Randall is having minor surgery in Toowoomba this morning and is doing well.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Randall’s deceased colleagues,” she said.
The father of two has been stationed at the Chinchilla Police Station in the Western Downs community for two years.
“Randall and I are very grateful for the overwhelming support from the Chinchilla and Stanthorpe communities. The police family has opened its arms and embraced us.”
“We have spoken to the Police Minister, Mark Ryan this morning, and he has offered wonderful encouragement and support.”
Mr Kirk said Randall loves his job.
“The Chinchilla and Tara police crews will get through this together,” she said.
Federal Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud M,P also extended condolences to the police officers and families involved in the horrific shooting.
“Our sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of those involved at this tragic and difficult time,” he said.
“The shocking event that unfolded yesterday is not what our community is.
“Every day police officers go to work, risking their lives for our safety and protection. They are among the bravest people in our community. We should never take their dedication for granted,” he said.
Authorities say four officers went to the location on Monday afternoon to investigate reports of a missing person believed to be a former NSW school teacher and were met with a hail of bullets.
Police returned fire however two officers were critically injured and died at the scene with two officers wounded.
Specialist police and PolAir responded.
AAP was told the three attackers were killed in a firefight with officers. According to police sources, the men were brothers and the woman, one’s partner.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the horrific incident was devastating for the victims’ families and the entire organisation.
The commissioner fought back tears as she confirmed the initial deaths of the three people, including her two officers, at the late-night media conference on Monday.
“I would like to also pay tribute to all police and first responders who assisted at the scene and are continuing to respond this evening,” she said.
Mrs Kirk said you can understand with our young family that we would like privacy at this time.
“Requests for all further media enquiries should be directed to the QPS or police union,” she said.
