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2010ArticlesCauseCurrently ServingDeceased PoliceFuneralGenderIncompleteLocationMaleMonumentMotor bikeNSWOf Church serviceOf eventOn DutyPhotosQLDStateUnknownUNVERIFIEDVehicle accidentWall of RemembranceWall to WallYearYes

Daniel Arthur STILLER

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Daniel Arthur STILLER

aka  Dan

Queensland Police Force

Regd. # ?

Rank:  Sergeant

StationsHendra Police Station before transferring to South Brisbane Traffic as a Senior Constable.

2007 Dan was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to the Oxley District Division Traffic Branch, working out of Mount Ommaney Police Station – HWP Cyclist

ServiceFrom  ? ? 2002  to  1 December 2010

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New South Wales Police Force

Regd. # 32276

” Possibly ” in PREP Class 272

Rank:  Constable

Stations?, Bankstown ( late 1990’s ),

ServiceFrom  ? ? 1997  to  14 July 2001 = 4 years Service with NSW Police force

Awards:  Queensland Police Service medal – posthumously

Queensland Police Service Award for Meritorious Service – posthumously

Born:  6 January 1977

Died on:  Wednesday  1 December 2010

Death location:  Bruce Hwy, approximately 15km south of Mt Larcom, Qld

Cause:  Motor cycle collision – rider -v- jacknifing semi trailer

Age:  33

Funeral date:  Thursday  9 December 2010 @ 10.30a,

Funeral location:  St Peter Chanel Catholic Church, Chaprowe Roadn  The Gap

Buried at:  Settlement Road, and on to a private interment

 Memorial at:  Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve, Heathwood, 4110. Stapylton, Johnson & Paradise Rd & Logan Motorway, Qld

Lat: -27.6425
Long: 152.986389
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.

Sergeant Dan Stiller died when his motorcycle was struck by a truck.
Sergeant Dan Stiller died when his motorcycle was struck by a truck.

 

Dan STILLER - QPOL - Killed 1 December 2005

 

[alert_green]DAN IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_green]

Details of Death:

On 30th November 2010 Sergeant Stiller departed Brisbane on escort duty with another officer, escorting an oversized load from Brisbane, destined for Rockhampton in central Queensland. Sergeant Stiller was riding a Qld Police Service motorcycle and the other officer was in a marked police sedan. That afternoon they rested at Miriam Vale over night and recommenced at 6am on 1st December 2010. In this escort, Sergeant Stiller was the lead escort, behind a pilot vehicle which was approximately 500 metres in front, and the police sedan was to the rear of Sergeant Stiller. Approximately 15 kilometres south of Mt Larcom on the Bruce Highway, in heavy rain, at 7am on 1st December 2010 three articulated vehicles were travelling south and were advised by the pilot of the load travelling north that there was an oversized load ahead, and to pull to the side of the road to make room. In doing so one of the articulated vehicles, whilst braking, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to ‘jack knife’, and travel onto the incorrect side of the road. The articulated vehicle collided head on with Sergeant Stiller, who was travelling in the centre of the northbound lane. Sergeant Stiller was killed instantly as a result of the impact. Sergeant Stiller has been posthumously awarded the Queensland Police Service Medal and the QPS Award for Meritorious Service.


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 Funeral location ?

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FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED ABOUT THIS PERSON, THEIR LIFE, THEIR CAREER AND THEIR DEATH.

PLEASE SEND PHOTOS AND INFORMATION TO Cal

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Police officer killed while escorting wide load

Date
Cameron Atfield
A police officer has been killed while escorting an oversized truck along the Bruce Highway in central Queensland.

Sergeant Dan Stiller, 33, was killed when the motorcycle he was riding was struck by a truck on the highway about 15 kilometres south of Mount Larcom at about 7am.

The crash closed the highway in both directions near Mount Larcom for more than five hours.

Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett said it appeared the truck jack-knifed before it hit Sergeant Stiller, who was escorting a wide load and convoy along the Bruce Highway.

‘‘The tragic loss of a young promising officer of Sergeant Stiller’s calibre will be felt right throughout the organisation, particularly among those who were fortunate enough to work with him,’’ he said.

Mr Barnett said another police officer, in a police sedan, was also involved in the wide load escort but that officer was not injured.

Sergeant Stiller’s wife, also a police officer, was ‘‘naturally devastated’’ and was receiving the support of her colleagues and close friends, Mr Barnett said.

Premier Anna Bligh said Sergeant Stiller’s death was a ‘‘tragic reminder’’ that police put their lives on the line every day.

“Our thoughts, my thoughts, and think those of all Queenslanders are with his family. This is a very sad day for them,’’ she said.

“It’s also a very sad day for the police service. It’s been almost four years … since we’ve seen a Queensland police officer lose their life in the course of their duties.

Opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek also paid tribute to Sergeant Stiller.“This is a very sad day for our state’s police service and our greater Queensland community,” he said.

“I know each day that every one of Queensland’s 10,702 police officers go to work, they work in challenging and sometimes dangerous situations.’’

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

The 33-year-old sergeant, originally from New South Wales, was an officer with the Oxley District Traffic Branch. Police are investigating the death of their colleague.

The investigating will be overviewed by the Ethical Standards Command.

11 comments so far

  • To my mate Dan,
    You were a great guy, an excellent policeman and will be truly missed.

    My condolences to your lovely wife Julie and your family.

    Commenter
    Ben G
    Location
    Sydney
    Date and time
    December 01, 2010, 2:06PM
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  • My deepest condolences to his family. I am very very sorry for your loss.

    Commenter
    Marie
    Location
    Brisbane
    Date and time
    December 01, 2010, 2:22PM
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  • My deepest sympathies go out to this young man’s family and friends. My respect and condolences go to all his brothers and sisters in the force.

    Commenter
    Roy
    Location
    Brisbane
    Date and time
    December 01, 2010, 2:56PM
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  • Dan. Incredibly sad to hear this news, you were a great guy and I will always remember your smile. Condolences to Julie and Dans family.

    Commenter
    Steven Cooper
    Location
    Melbourne
    Date and time
    December 01, 2010, 3:18PM
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  • Proud to have served with Dan in NSWPF, a friendly, lovely, smiling man taken from this world too soon. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. xoxo

    Commenter
    Kate Y
    Location
    Sydney
    Date and time
    December 01, 2010, 4:10PM
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  • My Deepest sympathies to those who have lost a loved one, while serving the community.
    Something must be done about the way these extra wide loads are allowed to travel at high speed along the highways. The escort system and rules are NOW Broken and Inadequate. Attitude seems to be anything goes as long as there is an escort. As a regular car driver on the Burnett and D’Aguilar highways, I have often seen very close calls several times as the escorts often do not give enough warning to oncoming vehicles for a heavy load that now often spreads across the two lanes , travelling at maximum legal speed. The loads seem to be getting wider and larger and more frequent with all the huge mining plant being shipped to and from Central Qld mines.
    I was almost unable to pull up recently travelling north at Collinton, almost running into the bridge as I tried to avoid a large load, with an escort barely 100m in front of it. If I had been in a semi, I or the escort most likely would not be here. The wide load was simply going too fast downhill to be safe.
    Most escorts do a fine job, but the loads are just getting too big and fast to be safely controlled, in all circumstances. Cars can pull up safely, but heavy vehicles coming in opposite direction must often have difficulty stopping and getting off the road.

    Commenter
    Vini Vidi
    Location
    Queensland
    Date and time
    December 01, 2010, 4:57PM
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  • Such a tragic loss of a great police officer and all round good bloke. Dan, I’m proud to have called you a colleague and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. You will live on in our hearts.

    Commenter
    Refidex
    Location
    Queensland
    Date and time
    December 01, 2010, 5:22PM
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  • The military and emergency services are two of few workplaces in this country where families and colleagues send their loved ones and mates out to the job with a greater fear that they will not return safely than most of us can understand. You have my profound thanks and my deepest respect.

    Commenter
    Les Hawken
    Location
    Melbourne
    Date and time
    December 01, 2010, 6:36PM
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  • a terrible loss that should have been avoided. why was a motorcycle doing this duty with the poor weather we have been experiencing lately. these wide load escorts are normally two pilot vehicles and three patrol cars. also in this weather the shoulder on most central queensland roads is far too soft to move a semi trailer off the bitumen onto grass where they get stuck as has happened on the beef road recently and had to get towed back onto the road by the prime mover pulling the wide load. not really an acceptable situation. who would have accepted responsibility if the the semi had tipped over in the mud.

    Commenter
    andrew
    Location
    brisbane
    Date and time
    December 01, 2010, 7:47PM
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  • The Police Force has lost another great Officer. Dan, you gave us plenty of laughs and you will be missed. NSW Police Force Class 272 – Delta (PREP of 1997) will always remember you. Our thoughts are with your wife, family, and friends. Rest easy now mate, your shift is done. We’ll take it from here.

    Commenter
    Rebecca C
    Location
    Wollongong NSW
    Date and time
    December 02, 2010, 8:53PM
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Rest in Peace my mate Sgt Dan Stiller. You will never ever be forgotten. A great Police Officer. A great Highway Patrol Officer. A true professional in every way. A loving husband that will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Julie, both families, your QPS mates and your NSWPF mates. I am shattered. Till we meet again.

Commenter
Dean L
Location
NSW
Date and time
December 03, 2010, 12:16AM

 

 

 

 

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This has been issued to all media on behalf of Sergeant Dan Stiller’s wife, Julie;

 A born and bred Brisbane-boy, Dan Stiller grew up knowing one day he would be able to combine his love of motorbikes with his job. In 2007, after 10 years as a police officer, he did just that when he was promoted to a Sergeant at the Oxley District Traffic branch.

On Wednesday December 1, Sergeant Dan Stiller paid the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved.

 

Dan Stiller was born on January 6, 1977 in Brisbane to a large family. 

An exceptional swimmer, Dan still holds the swimming record at Nundah Primary School – something he continued to boast about even as an adult – and received a scholarship to Nudgee College because of his swimming talents.

Growing up, Dan knew he wanted to become a police officer, and in 1997 he was accepted by the New South Wales Police Force, where he served for four years before applying and being accepted to the Queensland Police Service.

On graduating into the QPS in 2002, Dan served at the Hendra Police Station before transferring to South Brisbane Traffic. In 2007 Dan was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to the Oxley District Division Traffic Branch, working out of Mount Ommaney Police Station.

I can still recall the first time we met, which was during orientation at the Hendra Police Station.  I saw him across the room and I was immediately attracted to him. 

It wasn’t long after that we were sharing our first motorbike together, and we have been inseparable since. We married on August 9 2008. Coming from a large family, Dan was ecstatic on hearing that he was going to be a dad. 

No words aptly describe Dan. He was a fun person, extremely loving and caring and had a fabulous sense of humour. 

His quirks and comments made me laugh. He was capable of making anyone laugh or feel better on a down day, and I learnt very early in our relationship that he was just as beautiful on the inside as he was  on the outside. 

 

Queensland Police Service Our apologies to those who commented on this previously. We’ve had a technical hitch, and had to repost it, which means your comments were lost.

Gary Anthony Hiles

Gary Anthony Hiles As a member of the Oxley District Traffic Branch, I am very proud to say that I knew Dan and can say that he was an outstanding Police Officer. He was professional, knowledgeable and helpful. He died doing what he loved and has left a hole in our office. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace mate.

Orson Milligan
Di Mills
Nikki Bee

Nikki Bee What beautiful words! He was obviously loved! Condolences to his wife, family and the force!

Miche Maraea

Miche Maraea I have a large family myself, so I can acutely imagine their loss and how it is to be without one of your own, especially during this festive season! I wish his entire family peace and love!

Taleah Richters
Jason Saunders
Jason Saunders he may be gone but will never be forgotten.
my condolences to his family and fellow officers
Chloe Kavanagh

Chloe Kavanagh He looks so happy in that photo, what a great police officer.He will be missed by all.

Tia Paget

Tia Paget how sad its not fair

John Marks

John Marks I am a Police Officer too and will never forget that feeling when I knew what I was heading out to that morning. My sincerest heartfelt condolences go out to Dan’s family, friends & colleagues. RIP Sgt Dan STILLER.

Shane Drew

Shane Drew I’m so sorry to hear this. Condolances to his immediate family, and also his police family. Please take care…

John Marks
Jenelle Reghenzani

Jenelle Reghenzani So so sad what a fine young man to loose his life at such a young age…….RIP and my sincere condolences to his family. May god look over you and protect you in this sad time! I have so much respect for the QPS they have helped me over the years in some very hard times and I truly appreciate their dedication and hard work!

Roxy-lee Hodges

Roxy-lee Hodges goodbye so so sad just doing your job i really feel for your wife and family be a policeman in heaven now r.i.p

Barbara Ann Johnston

Barbara Ann Johnston My heartfelt sympathy to Dan Stillers family and loved ones and work mates. Carry on and live with the pride and happy memories of life shared with him…. as i am sure he would want you to do. Sometimes a loved one is taken from us way too early, but the love in our hearts and the happy memories, nothing or no one can ever take away. RIP young man…. another QPS HERO

David Wicks

David Wicks My thoughts are with his family. Yet another life lost doing a thankless motorcycle officers job. RIP. To the others still riding – be safe.

Desmond Goulding

Desmond Goulding May God Bless you and your family RIP

Vicki Lee

Vicki Lee the tears in your eyes can be wiped away but may the love in your hearts always stay…sincerest condolences to all Dan’s family, friends and colleagues, a special heartfelt one to his wife and unborn child. xo

Jack McRuff

Jack McRuff Vale Sgt. Stiller. You served, when others could not. May you live long in Heaven.

Lisa Richards

Lisa Richards Heart breaking for all involved. reading those beautiful words you can feel the love they shared for each other. im sure their child will bring joy and love to sgt stillers wife and their family. Taken way to soon. RIP SGT DAN STILLER

Tanya Cashin

Tanya Cashin My thoughts are with you Julie and Dan’s family. He truly was a lovely man who will be greatly missed. RIP Dan.x

Lisa Rosier

Lisa Rosier Heartfelt condolences to Dan’s wife and his family both personal and professional. Dan has crossed over to the other side where he watches over his loved ones and waits to guide them on their journey to the other side.

Cheryl Wk
Cheryl Wk it is always heart breaking when we lose one of our finest.
Julie, you will be able to tell your little one that their daddy was the best. Condolences to you and Sgt Stiller’s family,his friends and colleagues.

Lou Lou Black

Lou Lou Black RIP Baby Dan, thoughtts are with Julie and yr family xoxoxo

Barbara Stone

Barbara Stone Sgt Dan Stiller will always be remembered with pride and love. He was certainly taken too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with the Stiller family, their colleagues and friends at this very sad time.

Christopher Stokes
Rob Woodman

Rob Woodman Sgt STILLERs family can take pride from the fact he was”ä good bloke” and devoted family man. condolences to his family and friends.

Sam Harrison

Sam Harrison frown emoticon. Everything that can be said, has.

Catherine Shrimp
Sandy Duvall
Carrie Davidson

Carrie Davidson Julie…words cannot describe how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts are with you and Dan’s family, friends and collegues. The Police service will not be the same without him.

Sharon Miller

Sharon Miller Very very sad. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Stephen Bottom

Stephen Bottom why dose it take something like this for us all to realize how much police do for us . Don’ t wait, If you see a cop , just say thanks.

Elle Oz

Elle Oz Dan – The Man!!!! Remember……..Oh I really couldn’t believe it when I turned on the TV that day, I still can’t believe it. You were always the life of the class with that smile that lighted up any room. I am so proud to have gone through the NSWPOL Academy with you it is yet another tragedy where a great Police Officer was once again taken from us. I will be thinking of you this Thursday as I attend the Remembreance Day Parade here in Townsville I will be thinking of you, Glen and Pete xo

Tim Rob

Tim Rob The Dan Stiller Reserve is a fitting monument to this man. If you don’t know where it is, Google it and visit it! If you love bird watching, 105 species have been seen there in the last year or so. No facilities and unfortunately the reserve is over-run by morons on trail bikes during the weekend, but it is one of the special places of Brisbane, wild yet accessible.

Tim Rob

Tim Rob Some complete moron(s) has/have destroyed the memorial. I dont have words – well polite ones anyway – to describe what I think about these idiots. This is a senseless act of vandalism that demonstrates just how moronic they are. If you destroyed the memorial and are reading this then please know that any reasonable person thinks that you are a complete f-wit.

Maria Markos

Maria Markos Thoughts are with his loved ones, mates and colleagues today. Lest We Forget.

Jillian Oliver
Jillian OliverI had the honour to work with Dan when he first started. He was a great officer and great person. It was a highlight to be working the truck with him. I valued his friendship and think of him often. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
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Wildlife corridor to be named after fallen policeman Dan Stiller, killed by jack-knife truck on highway

A FALLEN policeman will have a wildlife corridor in Brisbane’s southwest named after him. Dan STILLER 7 - QPOL - Killed 1 December 2005

Sergeant Dan Stiller, 33, died on duty last Wednesday while leading a police escort along the Bruce Hwy in central Queensland.

He was killed when a semi-trailer jack-knifed and collided with him, becoming the first officer in over three years to die on the job.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman today bestowed on Stiller the rare honour.

“Sergeant Dan Stiller coordinated combined police and council enforcement operations against illegal trail biking while working at the Oxley Traffic Branch,” Cr Newman said.

“It is therefore fitting that we name the 122 hectares we’ve protected against illegal trail biking the Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve.

“It will be a place not just to remember Sergeant Stiller, but other members of the police force who have been killed on duty.”

The reserve lies at Larapinta, near Parkinson, and is bounded by the Logan Mwy, Johnson Rd and Paradise Rd.

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said Stiller’s wife Julie and the entire police service appreciated the honour.

“The QPS is very appreciative of this recognition by the Brisbane City Council,” Mr Atkinson said.

“It is a fine and fitting tribute to a very professional and dedicated officer and will help in terms of his colleagues dealing with his loss.

“Having discussed this with Dan’s wife Julie, I believe she is also very grateful for this initiative.”

Cr Newman said the bushland would be transformed into a valuable environmental and wildlife corridor and is currently being fenced and marked as bushland reserve.

The land was acquired by council over the past two years, primarily to protect it against illegal trail bikers.

The land grab was part of the Bushland Acquisition Program, which protects vital wildlife corridors in some of Brisbane’s most environmentally sensitive areas from future development.

Council expressed its sympathy to Stiller’s wife Julie, his family and to his colleagues in the police force, particularly the Oxley Traffic Branch.

The  funeral for Sgt Stiller will be marked by a motorcade and mounted police this Thursday.

His death sent shockwaves through the Queensland Police Service.

This Thursday’s funeral will be at St Peter Chanel Catholic Church, The Gap, at 10.30am.

“The cortege, including the QPS Pipes and Drums, the Mounted Police Unit and a procession of motorcycle police, will proceed from the church on Chaprowe Road to Settlement Road, and on to a private interment,” police said today.

The interment is for close friends and family only.

Sgt Stiller is survived by his wife Julie, also a police officer, who is pregnant with their first child.

Mr Atkinson has previously described Stiller as ” a dedicated traffic officer, committed to the safety and security of all Queenslanders”.

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Fallen officer ‘always wanted to be a policeman’

Date 

Dan Stiller was so determined to become a police officer that he didn’t let an initial knock-back extinguish his dreams, mourners in Brisbane have been told.

Hundreds of people, including his pregnant wife Julie, gathered today to farewell Sergeant Stiller, who died when a truck jackknifed and hit him as he escorted a wide load south of Rockhampton last week.

He was the first Queensland police officer killed on the job in more than three years.

Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson told mourners of the 33-year-old’s efforts to join the service.

‘‘His initial knock-back from the police service only hardened his resolve, and extra study saw his future guaranteed,’’ Mr Atkinson said.

‘‘In the words of his wife Julie: ‘As a boy, Dan always wanted to grow up and be a police officer. This, mixed with his ultimate love of motorcycles, made the traffic branch the place he was destined to be’.’’

Sgt Stiller met his future wife, a police detective, during a posting at Hendra police station in Brisbane’s inner north in 2002.

‘‘She remembers well the first motorcycle ride they shared soon after (meeting) and they were inseparable ever since,’’ Mr Atkinson said.

The couple married on August 9, 2008 and only recently announced they were expecting their first child.

Sgt Stiller was overjoyed about becoming a father and wasn’t shy about showing his love for his wife, Mr Atkinson said.

‘‘His love for Julie was complete and total,’’ he told mourners.

Mr Atkinson described Sgt Stiller as a dedicated, competent traffic officer whose work helped lower the road toll.

Sgt Stiller started his career with the NSW police service in 1997.

He moved back to his home state of Queensland in 2001 and joined the service as a recruit.

He was sworn in in early 2002 and two years later was transferred to the south Brisbane traffic branch where he was promoted to senior constable.

‘‘He achieved his destiny when he passed the police motorcycle course and became a full-time police motorcyclist in the traffic branch,’’ Mr Atkinson said.

‘‘His outstanding policing skills and leadership were rewarded in 2007 when he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and transferred to the Oxley District Traffic Branch.’’

www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/fallen-officer-always-wanted-to-be-a-policeman-20101209-18qj9.html

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Sgt Dan Stiller memorial unveiled

REMEBERED: A monument dedicated to Sergeant Dan Stiller, who died last December, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by his wife Julie Stiller last Wednesday. Sgt Stiller's family and friends also planted trees as a living memorial.
REMEMBERED: A monument dedicated to Sergeant Dan Stiller, who died last December, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by his wife Julie Stiller last Wednesday. Sgt Stiller’s family and friends also planted trees as a living memorial.

AN environmental corridor in Pallara has been named in honour of fallen policeman Sergeant Dan Stiller in a moving ceremony held last week.

Sgt Stiller’s wife Julie, along with his family, friends and colleagues gathered for the official naming of the 122 hectare Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve on Wednesday afternoon, which also included the unveiling of a memorial.

Sgt Stiller’s brother, John Stiller addressed the crowd and said his family were truly honoured by the mark of respect the memorial offered.

“If you knew Dan you’d know that whatever he put his mind to he committed to it 110 per cent,” he said.

“I am extremely proud of my brother, and this reserve will serve as a lasting tribute.

“It will also serve as a place for friends and family to visit and share quiet thoughts.”

The memorial was unveiled by Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and Parkinson Councillor Angela Owen-Taylor.

The Lord Mayor said Dan had been instrumental in working with council to deal with illegal trail biking while working at the Oxley Traffic Branch.

“Sergeant Dan Stiller co-ordinated combined police and council enforcement operations against illegal trail biking while working at the Oxley Traffic Branch,” he said.

“It is therefore fitting that the 122 hectares we’ve protected against illegal trail biking be named the Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve.

“It will now be a place not just to remember Sergeant Stiller, but also other members of the police force who have been killed on duty.”

Cr Owen-Taylor said she had worked closely with Sgt Stiller on road safety and illegal trail biking and she felt this was a fitting tribute.

“The dedication of this bushland to Sergeant Dan Stiller is significant as it is the place where Operation Trailblazer started in July 2008,” she said.

Sgt Stiller was killed on December 1, 2010, by a jack-knifing truck while escorting a wide load on the Bruce Highway near Mount Larcom.

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City police salute lost colleagues

The Police Remembrance Day march and ceremony held at Browns Park in North Ipswich on Thursday.
The Police Remembrance Day march and ceremony held at Browns Park in North Ipswich on Thursday.

IPSWICH police paid tribute to fallen detective Damian Leeding and Sergeant Daniel Stiller in a moving Police Remembrance Day ceremony yesterday.

A strong contingent of about 100 uniformed, plain-clothed and dog-squad officers gathered at the North Ipswich Reserve from about 9.45am, marching to the beat of the Salvation Army drummers along The Terrace, past Riverlink Shopping Centre, then up Downs St to Browns Park.

Ipswich’s Police Remembrance Day ceremony is held each year at the James Sangster Memorial, which was built in honour of the police officer who died in an attempt to rescue members of the Jackson family from floods in 1893.

There are now 139 names on the Queensland remembrance list – dating back to Laidley Constable Matthew Connolly in 1861 – all of whom died in the line of duty.

However, it was the two most recent additions to that list that drew special mention at the ceremony, led by Southern Region police chaplain Malcolm Twine.

The chaplain began with a prayer for all the men and women who have given their lives while serving the community.

Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding was shot in the face with a shotgun after responding to an armed robbery at the Gold Coast suburb of Pacific Pines, on May 29 this year.

Family members turned off his life support three days later.

Sergeant Daniel Stiller was killed in a traffic crash while assisting in an oversized-vehicle escort near Rockhampton on December 1, 2010.

The 33-year-old’s wife was pregnant with their first child at the time. Superintendent Garth Pitman said the rain which persisted through the ceremony could not drown police pride.

“We’ll march in the rain if we have to,” he said while delivering the commissioner’s address.

Representatives of Ipswich City Council, the Ipswich RSL, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and Neighbourhood Watch joined retired police and members of the community in laying wreathes next to the Sangster monument

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Policeman Dan Stiller memorial vandalised at Pallara

Sgt Dan Stiller, tragically killed on duty in a traffic accident, and his wife Julie.
Sgt Dan Stiller, tragically killed on duty in a traffic accident, and his wife Julie.

A MEMORIAL commemorating a police officer killed in the line of duty has been vandalised.

Oxley detectives are investigating after the memorial to Sergeant Dan Stiller, located in a reserve on Wadeville Rd, Pallara, was damaged late Tuesday.

Sergeant Stiller, 33, killed in 2010 at Mt Larcom when the wide load truck he was escorting crashed and hit his police motorcycle.

Police said the statue was damaged shortly after 5pm, when a thick glass panel covering a photograph of Sgt Stiller was smashed.

Investigators are now looking to identify three teenaged boys who were seen in the area at the time. Two of the boys were on scooters and the third on a skateboard.

They were last seen walking towards Lillypilly St, Heathwood.

In 2010, the park was renamed Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve in tribute to the well-respected traffic officer.

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 A memorial dedication and bushland reserve naming of 122 hectares bordered by Paradise Road, Johnson Road, Stapylton Road and Wadeville Street occurred on 9 March 2011 in honour of fallen Police Officer, Sergeant Dan Stiller.

   

A number of Dan's colleagues turned up in honour of the occasion
A number of Dan’s colleagues turned up in honour of the occasion
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and I unveiled the memorial in Dan's honour.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman and I unveiled the memorial in Dan’s honour.

 

 

 

Unveiling the Bushland Reserve Sign, named after Sgt Dan Stiller
Unveiling the Bushland Reserve Sign, named after Sgt Dan Stiller
The bushland reserve dedication and naming was commemorated with a planting
The bushland reserve dedication and naming was commemorated with a planting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.angelaowentaylor.com.au/PhotoGallery/tabid/65/AlbumID/430-133/Default.aspx

 

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SERGEANT DAN STILLER MEMORIAL UPDATE

A 17 year old male has been ordered to pay full restitution to restore the Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial at Heathwood.

The Brisbane City Council memorial in honour of Sergeant Dan Stiller was unveiled in March 2011.

It was an absolutely despicable act by vandals to destroy a public memorial, let alone a memorial dedicated to a Police officer who put his life on the line for our community each day he stepped out in uniform.

I worked closely with Sgt Dan Stiller to tackle illegal trail bike riding in Parkinson Ward and the Oxley Police District, and our community owes him for the service and care he provided us.

Residents have indicated to me they have supported the public appeal to assist Police.

Further to a thorough investigation by Queensland Police, the offender was brought to justice in the Richlands Magistrates Court on Tuesday 28 August, and ordered to pay full restitution.

I conveyed to Police the full cost of the damage and now the offender is being made to face the full consequences under law for his disgraceful behaviour.

I assure residents and Dan’s family, friends and work colleagues, we are working is to ensure restoration of the memorial occurs as quickly as possible and it will be as protected as much as possible.

Brisbane City Council dedicated the 122 hectares of bushland within the reserve in recognition of Sgt Dan Stiller’s commitment to the community in reducing illegal trail bike riding which was impacting severely on residents’ peaceful enjoyment of their own homes.

I met on site with Police Superintendent Maurice Poiner and stonemason Pete Macfarlane ahead of the photo of Sgt Dan Stiller being reinstalled into the memorial.

The Sergeant Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve is bordered by Wadeville Street, Paradise Road, Johnson Road and Stapylton Road.

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Coroner to examine police officer’s highway death

THE State Coroner has begun investigating a fatal crash involving a police officer escorting a wide load on the Bruce Highway at Mount Larcom.

Coroner Michael Barnes began hearing evidence in Brisbane on Wednesday into the adequacy of police investigations into the collision which killed Dan Arthur Stiller.

Sgt Stiller, who was escorting a wide load carrying a large piece of mining equipment, died when a prime mover jack-knifed about 7am on December 1, 2010, on the highway between Gladstone and Rockhampton.

Mr Barnes will examine the “adequacy and appropriateness” of regulations and guidelines surrounding wide-load transports within Queensland.

He will also investigate whether police motorcycles should be used as wide-load escorts.

John Edward Dodd, the truck driver involved in the crash, was found not guilty of careless driving by a Brisbane magistrate handed last month.

Magistrate Jacqueline Payne found Dodd had reacted as any reasonable and prudent driver would have.

The inquest is set down for three days.

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Coronor recommends wide-load changes after Stiller death

THE State Coroner has recommended a raft of reforms on how wide loads are escorted on busy Queensland roads following two fatal crashes within six months involving oversized escorts.

Queensland Police Sergeant Daniel Stiller was escorting a wide load on the Bruce Hwy at Mount Larcom when a prime mover jack knifed and crashed into his motorbike.

The 33-year-old died at the scene on December 1, 2010.

About six months later on May 17, 2011, Kenneth Roland Owens was travelling on a single lane section of the Bruce Hwy at Glenorchy, near Maryborough, with his wife and two friends.

A prime mover was travelling in the opposite direction and carrying a miner’s hut, which was so wide it protruded into the southbound lane.

Mr Owens hit the corner of the hut and was killed.

Following an inquest into the deaths, State Coroner Michael Barnes handed down his findings on Friday.

He was satisfied in Mr Owen’s case the driver transporting the wide load was safe and the oversized load satisfied guidelines.

Mr Barnes said while it was likely the lights and markers on the wide load could have distracted Mr Owens, there was no evidence to show why he did not avoid the corner of the miner’s hut.

But in Mr Stiller’s death, Mr Barnes found the blame for fatal accident could be partially contributed to how the wide load escort was carried out.

He found radio communications from the lead escort to other trucks approaching the wide load was confusing and trucks were not given clear instructions.

“Those escorting the wide load gave insufficient regard to the need for other vehicles to get completely off the road when the highway was only of two lanes and the difficulty this would pose for heavy vehicles,” Mr Barnes states.

Mr Barnes also found the driver behind the wheel of the truck which crashed into Sergeant Stiller did not slow sufficiently as he approached the wide load.

The State Coroner recommended wide load grants should not be issued if other transport is available, such as shipping to Gladstone and Mackay ports.

He has also recommended a review of placing police on motorcycles for wide escorts because of the increased risk of death or injury.

Mr Barnes also recommended a public awareness campaign about dealing with wide loads and more explicit signage.

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Dan Stiller Reserve, Parkinson Qld

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timrob

timrob's picture
Dan Stiller Reserve, Parkinson Qld

A new section has been added to Dan Stiller Memorial Reserve in Parkinson to the south of Brisbane.  It is well worth a look as it has good tracks and an interesting lagoon in the north-eastern corner.  We recommend a weekend walk as there is quite high road noise from Logan Motorway in places.

“Dan” is a very interesting reserve that we have visited numerous times, and currently 152 bird species have been recorded there.  Interested people may like to download our (updated today) birders guide from:

http://www.vk4yeh.com/birding%20downloads.html

Photo of a female fairy wren taken at the lagoon yesterday.

 

Reflex

Reflex's picture

Thanks Tim. I’ll have a wander around one day.

Samford Valley Qld.

 

Devster

Devster's picture

Very informative information Thanks Tim

 

timrob

timrob's picture

My wife Marg and I will be leading a BQ walk to “Dan” on May 10th, and will be delighted to meet you.

Tim

Quote from BQ website

” This will be the fist BQ visit to Dan Stiller Reserve for 2015. Meet at 7 am at the gate near the end of Axis Place (UBD 239, E6). This section of the reserve is relatively new and until recently had no good tracks. BCC has made a loop track that includes a section with close proximity to a lagoon on a minor tributary of Oxley Creek. It is also possible, time permitting, to see a large ex-sandmining lake that apparently will become part of an expanded reserve in the future. The track is well made and an easy walk. Boots are recommended for safe access to the edge of the lagoon. There are no toilet facilities in this reserve.

We will meet for morning tea at the park on Lincoln Green Drive (UBD 238, H16) where toilets are available.”

 

Woko

Woko's picture

Great to learn of the extension to the reserve, Tim.

 

Reflex

Reflex's picture

Sounds good Tim.

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