- The Queensland Mounted Police Unit complex has been renamed in honour of Senior Constable Dave Masters, who was killed in the line of duty in 2021.
- The naming ceremony coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Queensland Mounted Police, celebrating their long-standing contribution to the state’s policing efforts.
- Police Minister Mark Ryan MP and Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy APM joined Senior Constable Masters’ family at the ceremony, acknowledging his dedication to the Moreton Bay community and his service with the Mounted Police Unit.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) held a ceremony today to rename its Mounted Police Unit complex at Moggill, in honour of the late Senior Constable Dave Masters, who was killed in the line of duty in 2021.
The renaming ceremony was part of the celebrations marking 50 years of operations of the Queensland Mounted Police. The unit, which first opened its doors in February 1997, has long been an integral part of the state’s policing strategy, offering crucial support to frontline officers with its team of 13 staff members and 11 well-trained heavy horses. Senior Constable Masters served the QPS 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, where he continued to serve his community with commitment and pride.
On 26 June 2021, while performing his duties at Deception Bay, Senior Constable Masters was fatally injured while deploying road spikes to stop a stolen vehicle.
Senior Constable Masters’ dedication to the Moreton Bay community and his service with the Mounted Police Unit are remembered and honoured through this renaming. Members of Senior Constable Masters’ family were present at the ceremony, reflecting the deep impact of his loss on both his loved ones and the wider police community.
As stated by Minister Mark Ryan:
“Today’s ceremony is a fitting tribute to Senior Constable Dave Masters, a dedicated officer who gave his life in the line of duty to protect the community,” Minister Ryan said.
“Renaming the Queensland Mounted Police Unit complex in his honour ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of officers.
“His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
As stated by Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy:
“Senior Constable Dave Masters was an outstanding member of the Mounted Police Unit, known for his professionalism, courage, dedication and friendship,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
“His loss is still deeply felt by his colleagues and the entire police family.
“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.”
