MARY MacKillop College, Highfields, was part of a special Queensland Police Service event when one of the police helicopters, Polair 2, was named Brett A Forte, remembering Senior Constable Forte who was killed in the line of duty near Toowoomba last year.
On May 29, 2017, Senior Constable Forte was shot and killed on duty by an armed offender while executing his duties with the Toowoomba Tactical Crime Squad.
Polair 2 provided aerial overview, increasing the situational awareness of the siege incident, which enhanced the safety of all officers at the scene.
Polair 2 was the initial helicopter which responded to the incident and is now named in Senior Constable Forte’s honour.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the naming ceremony was a testament to the courage and sacrifice that Senior Constable Forte gave to the service.
“Polair Queensland is an asset to the QPS and it is a great honour that Polair 2 is now named after an officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“I would like to acknowledge Brett’s wife Susie and family members today for their ongoing support throughout this naming process.”
The official launch of the chopper took place at the college, as Senior Constable Forte’s and his wife Susie’s son Brodie attends the school.
Brodie’s classmates were on hand to support the Forte family.
Toowoomba Bishop Robert McGuckin also blessed the helicopter.
