A community event planned for Central Park in Pacific Pines yesterday was turned into a dedication in honour of detective Senior Constable Damien Leeding.

Snr Const Leeding was shot in the head at the Pacific Pines Tavern while trying to stop an armed robbery.

His family then made the heartbreaking decision to turn off life support on medical advice.

Mayor Ron Clarke and Division 5 councillor Peter Young said the event was initially planned to bring sporting and community groups together, along with service clubs, churches, schools and businesses.

“As a young family man living in nearby Coomera, the original event would have been the sort of gathering he and his family would most likely attend,” Cr Clarke said.

“That is, an event to bring like-minded community groups and individuals together to see how we can better our community.”

He said the entire community had been confronted by the tragic circumstances of the shooting and loss of a dedicated officer.

Cr Young said the program allowed community leaders and the public to stand shoulder to shoulder to “demonstrate we value peace and safety and that we will not tolerate crime in our community”.

Queensland Police Minister Neil Roberts has urged people who want to show their support for the family and the police service to buy a blue ribbon.

Proceeds from the sale of the ribbons go to Police Legacy, supporting families of police officers who have died in the line of duty.