The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has announced it will hold a memorial for Inspector Jay Notaro this Friday, 16 May, at Sleeman Sports Complex, nearly two months after he went missing from a northern NSW beach.
Inspector Notaro, of Southern Patrol Group, Ipswich District, was reported missing on 25 March, after he failed to show up for work.
His car was found at the Broken Head Beach carpark the same day, while his surfboard was later found by someone walking along the beach about 500m north of the beach carpark. At the time, Police said the surfboard was not damaged and its leg rope was fully in tact.
Rescue crews spent days searching for the missing officer before efforts came to a close five days later.
In a statement issued on behalf of Inspector Jay Notaro’s family, QPS said, “The family understand there will be a high degree of interest, and while they understand and appreciate this, they wish to have their privacy respected so that everyone attending can share their memories privately.”
The memorial will be attended by invited family, friends and colleagues of Inspector Notaro.
In a social media post following Inspector Notaro’s disappearance, Queensland Police Minister, Dan Purdie expressed his sympathies to the officer’s family.
“I’m deeply saddened by the disappearance of my friend and former colleague Detective Inspector Jay Notaro,” said Mr Purdie.
“Jay was a dedicated officer who lived and breathed the values of our police.
“Coming from a police family himself, I’m certain his loved ones will be surrounded by those in blue as they cope with this sadness.
“My deepest thoughts and sympathies for the Notaro family and the wider police family.”
The memorial will be streamed via – https://vimeo.com/event/5096741.
