The Deception Bay Road overpass across the Bruce Highway will be named the ‘Dave Masters Memorial Bridge’, to honour the life of the Senior Constable who tragically lost his life while on duty near the interchange, the Queensland Government announced today.
“Dave Masters was a Queensland Police Service officer who was dedicated to keeping our community safe and I can think of no more fitting tribute than to name the Deception Bay Road overpass the ‘Dave Masters Memorial Bridge’,” said Transport and Main Roads Minister, Bart Mellish.
“Signage featuring the bridge name has been installed at each end of the overpass on Deception Bay Road, and in addition to honouring Senior Constable Masters’ contributions to QPS and our local communities, we trust it will also serve as an important road safety reminder to road users.”
A committed Queensland Police Service officer, Senior Constable Masters’ life was cut short on 26 June 2021 as he was performing his duties on the Bruce Highway at Burpengary. Senior Constable Masters deployed road spikes across the highway in an attempt to stop the driver of a speeding stolen vehicle at 3am. The driver swerved and struck Senior Constable Masters, resulting in his fatal injuries.
His widow, Sharon, thanked the Police and transport department for the bridge naming gesture.
“My family and I see the bridge naming as an honour to Dave’s bravery and his commitment to the community he served,” she said.
“We like to think Dave is now up there on the bridge overlooking and protecting the people that he swore to protect.
“We would like to thank Police Minister Mark Ryan who had a significant part to play in the naming process and of course TMR for making it happen.
“The naming of the bridge will ensure Dave’s legacy will live on long after we are all gone.
“We as his family cannot be any prouder of Dave.”
Police and Community Safety Minister, Mark Ryan said he appreciated the Masters family agreeing to the overpass naming, which evolved as a gesture of respect from not only his QPS colleagues, but also thousands of community members who supported the tribute.
“Every day our officers demonstrate unwavering dedication and courage in protecting the people of Queensland,” said Mr Ryan.
“Senior Constable Masters died doing just that and I extend my heartfelt thoughts to his family.
“As motorists travel on this overpass, I hope the signage encourages ongoing gratitude to the bravery and commitment of Dave and officers around the state, past and present.”
The new signage featuring the bridge name has been placed at each end of the overpass on Deception Bay Road.
“The Dave Masters Memorial Bridge stands as a testament to Senior Constable Dave Masters’ unwavering commitment to both the Queensland community and the Queensland Police Service,” said Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski APM.
“I am proud that Dave’s legacy can live on through this memorial bridge, and he can continue to be honoured for his sacrifice and the remarkable impact he had on our Service.
“I would like to thank Dave’s family, friends, and colleagues for their unwavering support, and everyone involved in making this memorial happen.”
It has been just over three years since the Moreton Police District lost Senior Constable Masters from its ranks.
“We will always remember him as a well-loved colleague and mate who was dedicated to keeping others safe,” said Moreton District Officer A/Chief Superintendent Adam Guild.
“We’re pleased to see the overpass named after Dave, just near where he was stationed, and hope the community is reminded of him each time they pass by it.
“I know I’ll be pausing to reflect on his service and bravery and to think of his family each time I drive by.
“I extend my gratitude to his family for supporting this initiative.”
