As we stand here, gazing across the Bruce Highway, it’s impossible not to be moved by the presence of the Dave Masters Memorial Bridge. Built to carry traffic across the bustling road, it stands as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, honour, and dedication. The overpass, formerly known as Deception Bay Road, was officially renamed in 2024 to commemorate the life and tragic death of Senior Constable Dave Masters, a Queensland Police Service officer who lost his life in the line of duty on June 26th, 2021. Dave was attempting to stop a speeding stolen vehicle near this very spot, when a tragedy unfolded. After deploying road spikes to slow down the vehicle, Dave was struck and fatally injured when the driver swerved and crashed.
The Queensland Police Service, along with the wider community, mourned the loss of this dedicated officer. To pay tribute to his unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the Queensland community, the overpass was named the Dave Masters Memorial Bridge. It now stands as a place of reflection for motorists crossing the Bruce Highway, reminding them of the sacrifice made by Dave, and the dangers our police officers face on a daily basis. Every time you drive across the bridge, you’ll see the signage at each end bearing his name, a permanent reminder of his legacy. The bridge is a symbol of bravery, respect, and an enduring tribute to a police officer who gave his life in the line of duty.