The off-duty police officer who was killed after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed had been taking part in a memorial ride in honour of a close mate and colleague.
Gold Coast Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen, 58, died during the first leg of the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance on Wednesday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway near Glen Innes in the NSW northern tablelands after Sergeant Wiblen attempted to overtake another rider, but lost control and went down an embankment.
Fellow riders and members of the public performed CPR before paramedics arrived on the scene but were unable to revive him.
Senior Sergeant Wiblen was among hundreds of riders taking part in the annual nationwide event honouring police officers who have been killed in the line of duty. The ride got underway in Brisbane a few hours earlier.
It’s since been revealed that he had taken part in the ride a many times in memory of a slain Gold Coast cop colleague.
Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding, 35, was shot in the face at point blank range at the Pacific Pines Tavern during a bungled armed robbery in May 2011.
The father-of-two died in hospital three days later.
Gold Coast officer Brendan Wiblen (pictured) died during the Wall 2 Wall Ride for Remembrance near Glen Innes in the NSW northern tablelands on Wednesday
He had been taking part in the ride in memory of slain colleague Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding (pictured with wife Sonya)
Senior Sergeant Wiblen was joined on last year’s Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance by his son Liam.
His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the policing community.
Devastated riders stopped in Armidale on Thursday to reflect and pay their respect, where they were joined by NSW police officers.
The memorial ride has since resumed and will end on Canberra on Saturday with the blessing of Snr Sgt Wiblen’s family.
‘Brendan completed the Wall to Wall ride a number of times in the past few years and we are so incredibly sad that he is no longer with us,’ Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior told reporters on Thursday.
‘Brendan completed this ride for his mate (murdered police officer) Damian Leeding who lost his life in the line of duty.
‘Brendan was a man of integrity. He was a loyal man and a man that was highly regarded by his colleagues up on the Gold Coast. I know he will be sorely missed.
‘These riders today are going to be riding in his memory. They will be thinking on their long ride today solemn thoughts – but also thoughts of happiness.’
Senior Sergeant Wiblen spent 28 in the police force on the Gold Coast.
He was a district duty officer and previously the operations Leader of Central Patrol Group.
He’s also been remembered as a long-time branch official for the police union who loyally stood up for members.
Senior Sergeant Wiblen would regularly appear on Australian television screens to give updates on incidents across the Gold Coast area (pictured)
Senior Sergeant Wiblen’s tragic death comes 13 years after the murder of his colleague Damien Leeding (pictured)
‘Brendan was a dedicated officer who served with distinction throughout his career,’ South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Swan said.
‘He was highly thought of by his colleagues and was known for his attention to detail and quick wit.’
‘His service to the community will not be forgotten, and our thoughts are with all those who knew Brendan during this incredibly difficult time.’
Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said Senior Sergeant Wiblen’s death was a devastating loss for the police force, less than two years after constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were shot dead during what was supposed to be a routine job at a rural property in Wieambilla.
‘The service stands in solidarity with Brendan’s family, friends and colleagues to provide support during this time of grief,’ he said.
‘It is absolutely devastating that Brendan lost his life during an event honouring our fallen members.
‘This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire service, particularly for Brendan’s colleagues on the Gold Coast, who worked closely with him day in and day out.
‘His passing will have a significant impact on officers who not only valued his leadership but also considered him as a dear friend.’
Members of the public performed CPR on Sergeant Wiblen (pictured far left) before paramedics arrived but the 58-year-old could not be saved and died at the scene
Liberal candidate for the Gold Coast state seat of Gaven, Bianca Stone, led the outpouring of tributes for much-loved senior officer on Wednesday night.
‘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.
Sergeant Wiblen’s police family also shared their shock at the news.
‘I cannot believe it. Complete and utter shock. I am so saddened with the news. I am so saddened with the news,’ one officer wrote online.
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.
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