Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen Honoured at Police Academy
Brendan Wiblen honoured at Oxley for 28 years of police service, leadership and support for Gold Coast officers.
What’s Happening?
Late Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen has been honoured during a special ceremony at the Queensland Police Academy in Oxley.
Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Avenue of Remembrance on Tuesday, 21 July, where they unveiled a plaque beside a tree planted in his name. Wreaths were also laid in recognition of his exemplary police service and contribution to the community.
During the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon APM presented Senior Sergeant Wiblen’s family with the Queensland Police Blue Heart Medal. The posthumous medal recognised his service and sacrifice.
Why It Matters
The ceremony recognised a respected police officer whose career was marked by service, leadership and strong support for his colleagues.
Senior Sergeant Wiblen spent much of his Queensland Police Service career on the Gold Coast, where he led officers through dangerous operations and significant incidents. He was also known as an advocate and mentor who supported fellow officers throughout demanding situations.
His death carried added significance because it occurred while he was taking part in an event that honours fallen police officers across Australia.
Local Impact
Senior Sergeant Wiblen transferred to the Gold Coast District in 1999 after beginning his Queensland policing career in Townsville.
He first served as Officer in Charge of the Australia Fair Police Beat before moving into several operational and leadership roles at Southport Police Station. He served as a Sergeant and later became a Senior Sergeant.
As the Gold Coast District Duty Officer, he oversaw major incidents and dangerous operations across the region. His role required calm leadership, sound judgement and close support for officers working in difficult conditions.
His service left a lasting mark on the Gold Coast policing community and the officers he guided throughout his career.
By the Numbers
58 years old: Senior Sergeant Wiblen was 58 when he died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash near Glen Innes in 2024.
28 years with Queensland Police: He joined the Queensland Police Service in 1996 and served communities across Townsville and the Gold Coast.
10 years with South Australia Police: Before joining Queensland Police, he worked as a detective in South Australia for a decade.
Zoom In
Senior Sergeant Wiblen lost his life near Glen Innes, New South Wales, while taking part in the annual Wall to Wall Ride charity event in 2024.
The ride brings current and retired police officers together as they travel from their home states to the National Police Memorial in Canberra. It honours officers across Australia who have died while serving their communities.
Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon APM paid tribute to Senior Sergeant Wiblen’s long career, leadership and impact on those around him.
“We honour Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen as a respected colleague, an inspiring leader, and for his decades of dedicated service,” Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said.
“He demonstrated the true values of the Queensland Police Service every day he put on his uniform and served his community.
“He had a remarkable career and made a profound impact, forever remembered as an exceptional father to his two sons, grandfather, officer, and friend to all who knew him.”
Zoom Out
Senior Sergeant Wiblen joined the Queensland Police Service in 1996 after spending 10 years as a detective with South Australia Police.
Following his graduation from the Queensland Police Academy, he was posted to the Townsville District. His transfer to the Gold Coast in 1999 began a long period of service across Australia Fair, Southport and the wider district.
The ceremony brought his career back to the academy where his Queensland service began. The plaque and tree at the Avenue of Remembrance will provide a permanent tribute for his family, colleagues and future police officers.
What T
o Look For Next?
A touchstone will also be placed at the Queensland Police Memorial in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
Together with the plaque and tree at the academy, it will provide another lasting place for people to honour Senior Sergeant Wiblen’s service, leadership and sacrifice.