Family, friends and fellow officers gathered at the Queensland Police Academy in Oxley to honour the late Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen, unveiling a plaque and tree that now form a permanent tribute to his service.
The ceremony was held at the academy’s Avenue of Remembrance, where attendees came together to recognise his policing career, his work in the community and the support he provided to colleagues.
A memorial plaque was unveiled beside a tree planted in his name. Wreaths were also laid as family members, friends and officers marked his contribution across decades of service.
Family Receives Blue Heart Medal
Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon APM presented Senior Sergeant Wiblen’s family with the Queensland Police Blue Heart Medal during the gathering.
The posthumous medal recognised his service and sacrifice, while the ceremony also remembered his place within his family as a father to two sons and a grandfather.
Senior Sergeant Wiblen was recognised as a respected colleague and leader whose work included guiding and supporting other officers. His role as a mentor formed part of the contribution remembered at the Oxley ceremony.
Service Across Queensland Communities
Senior Sergeant Wiblen joined the Queensland Police Service in 1996 after serving for 10 years as a detective with South Australia Police.
Following his graduation from the Queensland Police Academy, he began his Queensland career in the Townsville District. He transferred to the Gold Coast District in 1999, initially serving as officer in charge of the Australia Fair Police Beat.
He later held operational and leadership roles at Southport Police Station, first as a sergeant and then as a senior sergeant.
As the Gold Coast’s Senior Sergeant District Duty Officer, he oversaw dangerous operations and significant incidents. He also advocated for fellow officers and provided guidance as a mentor throughout his leadership duties.
His Queensland Police Service career spanned 28 years.
Memorials Continue His Remembrance
Senior Sergeant Wiblen was 58 when he died in a single-vehicle motorbike crash near Glen Innes, New South Wales, while taking part in the annual Wall to Wall Ride charity event in 2024.
The ride brings serving and retired police officers together to remember officers who have died. Riders travel from their home states to the National Police Memorial in Canberra.
The plaque and tree in Oxley now stand as a permanent tribute within the academy grounds. A touchstone will also be placed in Senior Sergeant Wiblen’s honour at the Queensland Police Memorial in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
Published 20-July-2026
