The police officer killed while taking part in a memorial motorcycle ride in honour of his fallen colleagues has been identified as a respected senior sergeant.
Gold Coast officer Brendan Wiblen, 58, died during a crash during the Wall 2 Wall Ride for Remembrance near Glen Innes in northern NSW on Wednesday.
Hundreds of riders taking part in the annual event honouring police officers who have been killed in the line of duty left Brisbane earlier in the day.
Members of the public performed CPR on Sergeant Giblen before paramedics arrived on the scene but the 58-year-old could not be saved.
Liberal candidate for the Gold Coast state seat of Gaven, Bianca Stone, led the tributes for much-loved senior officer.
‘He was a great bloke, always up for a chat and a laugh. My heart goes out to his loved ones and the entire police family,’ she posted on Wednesday night.
Sergeant Wiblen’s police family also shared their shock at the news.
‘I cannot believe it,’ one officer wrote online.
‘Complete and utter shock. I am so saddened with the news. I am so saddened with the news.’
Gold Coast officer Brendan Wiblen, 58, died during a crash during the Wall 2 Wall Ride for Remembrance near Glen Innes in northern NSW on Wednesday
Members of the public performed CPR on Sergeant Giblen (pictured far left) before paramedics arrived but the 58-year-old could not be saved and died at the scene
Earlier on Wednesday, a group of Queensland Police motorcyclists and supporters gathered at the Police Memorial in Brisbane to begin their journey to to Canberra.
Riders accepted the symbolic Commissioner’s baton from Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, which they will carry for the length of their journey.
Riders accepted the symbolic Commissioner’s baton from Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, which they will carry for the length of their journey.
The baton containing a scroll with the names of any Queensland officers who lost their lives in the previous calendar year.
No officers have been killed while on duty in the past year.
‘While I acknowledge the baton is empty this year, I recognise the profound impact the recent deaths of Rachel McCrow, Matthew Arnold and Dave Masters has had on our organisation, their family and friends, and community,’ Commissioner Gollschewski said.
‘I thank the riders helping the QPS safely deliver the baton and joining our policing counterparts across the country to remember the fallen.
‘With honour they served.’
The Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance began in Brisbane on Wednesday and will end in Canberra on Saturday where a memorial service will be held
Queensland Premier Steven Miles confirmed the tragic news on Wednesday night.
‘Devastated to hear an off duty Queensland police officer has died during the Wall to Wall memorial ride near Glen Innes,’ Mr Miles posted on X.
‘My deepest condolences to family, friends and all members of the Qld Police Service. Our thoughts are with you at this tough time.’
More than 3,000 riders from across Australia will converge in Canberra ahead of a memorial service to be held in the nation’s capital on Saturday.
The annual ride is in lead up to National Police Remembrance Day on September 29.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Queensland and NSW Police for further comment.