In The Line Of Duty

I don't like being melancholy in my writing, and I rarely comment or touch upon current events. However my sorrow today is real, the shock I feel is real, and I think the only way to somehow alleviate it, is to write about it.

I live just a stone's throw from the Gold Coast here in Australia - South Brisbane. It's a world away from the streets of Glasgow through which I plodded as a Police Officer back in the late 70's early 80's.  But criminals are more or less the same the world over. Since moving to Australia I've had reason to 'call the cops' a few times - and each time they have dealt with my problem professionally and courteously. I have a huge admiration for them and especially the 'jovial' way they go about their business here.

Yesterday an armed robbery took place on the Gold Coast and hostages were taken - responding to the alarm Police Officer Damian Leeding and his partner Nikki Jackson were first on the scene. Constable Leeding, a new father to his second child, was shot in the face and head before even getting through the door of the hotel involved. A brave man, he didn't think twice about confronting the danger facing him, or the responsibility he had in ensuring the safety of the hostages.

They are talking about turning off his life support as early as this afternoon.

I want him to pull through, as everyone does.

God bless you Constable Leeding, God bless you.

Update - Tragically, Constable Leeding passed away at approximately 1pm today after his life support machine was switched off. He leaves behind a Widow Sonya (also a serving Police Officer) and two young children.

Constable Leeding died fulfilling the motto of Queensland Police - "With Honour We Serve"




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