Two police officers shot dead during a siege at a property in Queensland's Western Downs have been identified as Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, and Constable Matthew Arnold, 26.
The officers were attending the property as part of a missing persons report when they were ambushed by three shooters — two men and a woman — wearing camouflage.
A man from a neighbouring property, who has been identified as Alan Dare, was also killed in the siege.
Speaking from Chinchilla police station, Commissioner Katarina Carroll said she went to the scene this morning and had received a further briefing on what happened.
"Despite police efforts, the matter was unable to be resolved peacefully and all three offenders were fatally shot by specialist officers," Commissioner Carroll said.
"In total, six people have lost their lives."
'Our beautiful boy'
A candlelit vigil has been organised for both constables at the Calamvale police station in Brisbane's south from 6pm tonight, with Constable Arnold's mum Sue among those expected to attend.
Speaking on social media, Sue Arnold said her son was about to return home for Christmas.
"Matt Arnold was our beautiful boy who was due home tomorrow on break to stay with us until Christmas," she said.
"Words cannot express our devastation."
Community organisation Queensland Youth Services paid tribute to Constable McCrow on social media.
"Rachel, during her time at the [Police] Academy, volunteered for LearnIT, assisting disadvantaged young people in our community with developing safe driving skills and building up their supervised driving hours," the organisation wrote.
"She did this all while developing her own skills to become a police officer."
Specialist police officers fatally shot all three assailants about 10.30pm on Monday night.
In a statement, police said the shooters were a 46-year-old Kewarra Beach man, a 47-year-old Wieambilla man and a 45-year-old Wieambilla woman who all died at the scene.
The male shooters have been identified as Nathaniel Train and his brother Gareth (Gavin) Train.
Stacey Train also died at the property.
Becoming emotional, Commissioner Carroll said it was an "extremely challenging time for the Queensland Police Service."
"To lose two officers in one incident is absolutely devastating," she said through tears.
"Losing one of our own has a profound impact on every single officer and their families.
"This event is the largest loss of police life we have suffered in a single incident in many years."
Commissioner Carroll said Constable McCrow and Constable Arnold had "only recently commenced their policing careers".
"Matthew and Rachel were highly respected and much-loved members of the Queensland Police Service," she said.
"Matthew was sworn in as a police officer in March 2020, while Rachel was sworn in last year in June 2021.
"They were both committed and courageous young people who had a passion for policing and for serving the community – both under 30 years of age, both had wonderful careers and lives ahead of them.
"Yesterday as they did every day, they put their lives on the line to save their community … [and] they made the ultimate sacrifice."
'Lives cut short'
Speaking to ABC Radio Brisbane on Tuesday morning, Queensland Police Union (QPU) president Ian Leavers echoed Commissioner Carroll's words, saying it was an absolute tragedy to lose the two young officers.
"Matt was 26 and Rachel 29, they haven't even lived life, I would say," Mr Leavers said.
"Our thoughts are with their families and their loved ones; they're coming through the emotions of trying to comprehend this senseless execution-style murder that took place."
Mr Leavers said "there was no intelligence to suggest there was any danger or threats" in responding to a missing person investigation.
He said the local sergeant had assembled a team of 16 police officers, and "under heavy gunfire" went to the property to retrieve their "fallen colleagues".
"They had actually hoped they were still alive and with medical assistance could be rendered, their lives could be saved, but to no avail," he said.
"The two surviving police and 16 police who went in there are just real heroes that put their lives on the line to try and rescue our mates."
St Laurence's College in Brisbane released a statement on Tuesday morning saying Constable Arnold was an alumni of the class of 2013.
Principal Chris Leadbetter said the school community's thoughts and prayers were with Constable Arnold's family and brother James.
"Matthew is remembered as a man of service, integrity and compassion," he said.
"May he rest in peace."
Surviving officers in hospital
The two surviving police officers, Constable Keely Brough and Constable Randall Kirk, both 28, were injured and taken to Chinchilla Hospital.
Both were from Chinchilla police station.
Authorities confirmed Constable Kirk remained in hospital with a gunshot injury to his leg and hip, while Constable Brough has since been released from hospital.
Commissioner Carroll said after attending the scene, it was clear to her that the "officers did not stand a chance."
"There was considerable weaponry involved … the fact that two got out alive is a miracle," she said.
"I cannot believe that they survived."
Mr Leavers said Constable Brough, who managed to escape from the scene, was sworn into the police service just eight weeks ago.
He described Constable Brough's efforts to hide in long grass, which her attackers set on fire to try and flush her out.
"Her training came in and when she believed her life was about to come to an end, she never stopped trying to do the right thing and communicate with her colleagues," he said.
"She sent messages to loved ones because she thought her was time up."
Commissioner Carroll said neighbour Alan Dare, who reportedly went to investigate a possible fire and was shot, like her officers, "didn't stand a chance".
'Our hearts just break'
On Tuesday afternoon Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was "a devastating day for everyone who loved these Australians".
"We know that this news has fallen hard on a close-knit and caring Queensland community. As well as, of course, the community to which all police officers belong," he said.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the shooting was a "horrific tragedy" which was beyond belief, offering her condolences to the families of the two fallen officers.
"Something that no-one wants to wake up to or hear about," she said.
Ms Palaszczuk said the actions of the fallen officers were "incredibly brave".
"These were absolutely callous, brutal acts and with honour they served," she said.
"Our hearts just break for these two young beautiful officers who were just doing their jobs."
Flags on government and council buildings are flying at half-mast in honour of the two fallen officers.
Chinchilla residents are laying flowers at the police station on Tuesday morning.
"In a small community, something like this happens and it's quite overwhelming," one resident said.
"They're a great bunch of people and we should never forget that, they do a wonderful job."
A declaration zone for the area between Chinchilla Tara Road, Wieambilla Road, Bennetts School Road and Mary Street was revoked shortly before 10am on Tuesday morning.
An ethical standards command investigation is underway into the police response, with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission.
