By Dominique Tassell
Queensland Police Services today observed a moment of silence across the state for Senior Constable David Masters, who was killed while laying road spikes in Burpengary on 26 June.
Police gathered outside the Warwick police station to observe the moment of silence, with flags at half-mast.
Senior Constable Masters’ funeral, capped at 100 guests, was held in Burpengary at 12:30pm.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there was not a traditional police guard of honour at the funeral today.
Instead, police gathered at the nearby Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, wearing face masks and registering through the Check In QLD app.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said the restrictions impact on the funeral was “an extremely tragic circumstance”.
“I know I spoke to the Police Commissioner, and she’s working through how to manage that within the restrictions.”
A Queensland Police Service spokesman told The Brisbane Times that “despite COVID-19 restrictions, every effort is being made to ensure Senior Constable Masters is farewelled in a fitting tribute with full police honours”.
Senior Constable Masters’ friend, Wayne Thompson, gave the eulogy and said “Dave always had a fierce sense of loyalty to his mates and family”.
“He had a strong set of values, and clearly continued this throughout his life. He had a great sense of humour, loved a good joke, and had a smile which you couldn’t forget.”
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said Senior Constable Masters “served the community of Queensland and our organisation with great integrity, compassion, and dedication”.
Senior Constable Masters, 53, was killed on 26 June while laying road spikes. He was working to stop an allegedly stolen car on the Bruce Highway in the early hours of the morning.
Two women have been charged in response.
Kari O’Brien, 24, and Skye Anne Wallis, 33, were charged with murder, arson (motor vehicle), and unlawful use of a motor vehicle after Senior Constable Masters’ death.
He is survived by wife Sharon, son Jack, his dog Nelson, and his siblings Al, Jean, Marion, and Ros.
