By HARRY CLARKE
SURROUNDED by family, including her five grandchildren, the wife of Alan Dare accepted the Queensland Police Service’s highest civilian honour at a ceremony at Chinchilla, just shy of three months after he was killed at Wieambilla in a terrorist attack which shocked the world.
But Kerry Dare said her husband would have shied away from all the attention around his receipt of the Queensland Police Bravery Medal.
“He wouldn’t have enjoyed all this, but I have,” Kerry said.
Alan Dare, 58, was killed alongside Tara Police constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold in a shooting ambush on a secluded property at Wieambilla, 40km south of Chinchilla, on December 12.
The victims had been lured to the property by residents Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train, radicalised Christian extremists who opened fire when they arrived in an attack targeting police who they deemed “monsters and demons”.
“Alan was at home when he heard shots being fired, he heard an explosion and he saw smoke coming from the neighbouring property,” Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Charysse Pond APM told a gathering at the Chinchilla Botanic Parklands yesterday.
“Alan was a concerned husband and neighbour and he left his family home to assess the danger.
“Alan and his friend, Mr Victor Lewis, attended the neighbours’ property to investigate the threat and the fire. They observed that a police car was on fire and as Alan walked towards the front gate of his neighbours’ property to offer and seek assistance, he was shot and fatally wounded.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr Dare’s family, especially Kerry, (stepson) Corey, (stepdaughter) Renee and the grandchildren as they face this profound grief and bereavement.
“We share their sorrow with our police family as we remember Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold.”
“Mr Dare’s legacy continues to be cherished by all Australians and his loved ones,” Assistant Commissioner Charysse Pond said.
“He is remembered as a humble man who would give you the shirt off his back.
“Alan is remembered as someone who always did the right thing in looking out for others and he is remembered by his kindness and good will for his community, commemorated in his final act.”
The Queensland Police Bravery Medal acknowledges the outstanding efforts of officers who demonstrate exemplary commitment and dedication to their duties and who go above and beyond to protect and serve the community of Queensland.
The medal can also be awarded to civilians who were involved in an incident and performed a similar brave act to a member of the QPS.
It is the highest level Queensland Police Service medal a civilian may receive.
To his family Alan Dare was known at “Poppy”, a devoted husband, stepfather and grandfather. Kerry Dare said “‘hero’ sums it all up”.
“He was my hero. He was cheeky. He was patient. We miss him dearly,” she said.
