Qld shooting: Constable Randall Kirk recovering in hospital after police shooting
One of officers who escaped with his life from the horrific police shooting on the Darling Downs on Monday has broken his silence from his hospital bed.
Chinchilla-based Constable Randall Kirk was one of four officers who attended a property at Wieambilla, south of Chinchilla just after 4.30pm on Monday.
He is expected to be released from hospital soon after going through surgery for the injuries he suffered under immense gunfire, but in a statement released on Wednesday morning, he says his injuries are far from his primary concern.
The Queensland Police Union confirmed to NCA Newswire Constable Kirk had undergone surgery to remove shrapnel and repair injuries sustained.
“I”m feeling fine, just a little sore. My main thoughts are with the other police families at this awful time,” Constable Kirk said in a statement released through the union.
“It means a lot to know the community cares for us all.
“My wife and I have a young family and would appreciate privacy as we come to terms with this.”
The four officers had been called out to the remote property to conduct a welfare check before they were ambushed by the three residents who shot at them.
Constable Kirk’s colleagues, 29-year-old Constable Rachel McCrow and 26-year-old Constable Matthew Arnold, were murdered during the execution-style ambush.
The three gunmen; Gareth Train, his brother Nathaniel, a former Queensland school principal, and Gareth’s wife Stacey Train, were killed in a police firefight later that night.
A neighbour, Alan Dare, was also killed at the scene after he’d come to inspect smoke seen billowing from the property.
Constable Kirk was able to escape the terrifying scene despite being shot in the leg and showered in glass after the gunmen fired at his escaping vehicle.
Constable Keely Brough, who had only been in the force for nine weeks, fled into bushland, pursued by the gunmen.
She was later rescued by a team of 16 officers after hiding for her life as the three armed assailants hunted her down.
The Trains were later shot dead by police after lengthy gunfire was heard from the property for some time.
Constable Kirk was injured during the intense gunfire by a variety of weapons directed towards him during the incident at Wieambilla.
He is expected to be released from the Toowoomba Hospital soon to rejoin his wife and daughter, and the couple are expecting another baby next month.
QPU President Ian Leavers has assured the family they will assist Randall with a return to work plan and any ongoing support.
Speaking to Warwick Stanthorpe Today on Tuesday, Constable Kirk’s wife Breanna said had “minor surgery” in Toowoomba on Tuesday morning.
Mrs Kirk said her husband was “doing well”.
“When I first spoke to Randall at the Chinchilla Hospital (on Monday night), his first thoughts were for his colleagues,” she shared.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Randall’s deceased colleagues.”
Mrs Kirk, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child, said they were overwhelmed with support from the community and their policing family.
“Randall and I are very grateful for the overwhelming support from the Chinchilla and Stanthorpe communities,” she said.
“We have spoken to the Police Minister Mark Ryan (Tuesday) morning, and he has offered wonderful encouragement and support.”
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