Former Qld police commissioner Steve Gollschewski farewelled
Queensland's former police commissioner has been remembered for an extraordinary career that "pales in comparison" to how much he loved his family.
Steve Gollschewki joined the Queensland Police Force — as it was known then — in 1980. (Supplied: Queensland Police Service)
Steve Gollschewski is being farewelled at the Brisbane City Hall today.
Mr Gollschewski, who was the state's most experienced officer when he retired in early 2026, died this month aged 67.
His daughter Kirsten said she had always considered her father to be invincible, even after he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.
"In my heart of hearts, I genuinely believed that he would overcome it," she said.
"My father’s accomplishments throughout his career in the police service are extraordinary, but they pale in comparison to the love he had for his family."
Mr Fix-it, the COVID guy
His wife Rebecca, who he first met in 2000, said they were "opposites in lots of ways" but what they shared "transcended" their differences.
"Most people knew him as Mr Gollschewski, boss, sir, Mr Fix-it, the COVID guy, or the guy who seems to be on TV a lot every time there’s a natural disaster," she said.
"To his family and friends, he was Steve, Golly, Gorby, Dad, Pa and Opa."
Steve Gollschewski was a father of five. (ABC News: Chris Gillette)
She said he "never lost sight" of why he joined the police — to keep the community safe.
"In senior management roles, he was still pulling cars over for speeding or erratic driving, regardless of whether he was in uniform or not, in his work vehicle or ours. By himself, or with us."
Former police commissioner Steve Gollschewski with his wife Rebecca. (Supplied)
Rebecca thanked everyone involved in his care, their friends, and everybody in the Queensland Police Service who was part of organising today's ceremony.
"Steve truly did give it all, and did his very best.
"We love him for everything he did, and everything he was, and always will be to us."
Last month, Mr Gollschewski was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his nearly five decades of service.
Steve Gollschewski was also the former state disaster coordinator. (ABC News: Chris Gillette)
The ceremony was held at the Mater Hospital.
Queensland Governor Dr Jeannette Young, who got to know Mr Gollschewski during the COVID-19 pandemic, said it was "an opportunity for Queensland to say thank you".
"Steve mentioned to me afterwards that it was a fitting way to mark what he summed up as 'a great life,'" she said.
Steve Gollschewski was a father of five, and grandfather to four. (Supplied)
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said the "man behind the uniform" was a proud husband and father.
He always searched for solutions, not excuses, in his work, she said.
"Golly possessed an impressive combination of qualities. He was intelligent, he was confident, driven and results-focused.
"Equally he was a strategic thinker, who never lost sight of the people behind the organisation and the communities they served."
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