Local artist’s portrait honours fallen police dog Rambo

Ninderry artist Fiona Groom has recently completed a portrait of PD Rambo, a police dog who was  killed in the line of duty in Maryborough in June. 

Fiona was noticed after finishing a mural of the Dog Squad at the new Watch House in Caboolture and it was those dog portraits that prompted one of the handlers to contact her about Rambo’s commission.

Fiona was asked to create a portrait of PD Rambo as a surprise gift for his handler,   Sergeant Ian Grigoris, who had been devastated by the loss.

All QPS dogs are part of their handler’s family and the bond between handlers and their dogs makes them inseparable.

PD Rambo had been with Sgt Grigoris, since the police dog’s graduation in 2015.

The portrait was presented to him last week. Sgt Grigoris was very grateful for the painting and said “this portrait has captured his eyes and head beautifully”. 

Fiona is an animal artist whose focus is on creating paintings that capture her subject’s character and likeness. 

Fiona said capturing the essential character of her subjects came naturally to her. “I think  for me, I look at my reference and then start to paint and as if by magic they come out of the canvas in front of me ,I can see them and feel them and as I paint their eyes I know its them.  

“It was an honour to paint the portrait of PD Rambo, I know it will be cherished for a very long time,” Fiona said. “I felt quiet special and happy that I was trusted to create this painting, because I was chosen to make a work that had such meaning to PD Rambo’s family and his police dog family.”

Police Dog Rambo died during a police pursuit in June. He was on the tail of a wanted man, Alan Lace, when he was accidentally struck by a vehicle on the Bruce Highway at Maryborough West.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Ayres, the founding director of mental health not-for-profit group Blue Hope, told ABC recently that it was a terrible loss for Police and especially for Sgt Gregoris.

“Rambo was struck by a car and taken to a vet urgently and couldn’t be revived,” said Sgt Ayers.

“They live as part of the handler’s family, they’re treated like any other member.”

Rambo spent years keeping his community safe - catching criminals and tracking missing people.

• Contact Fiona Groom via www.fmgfionagroomvisualartist.com or croakin@bigpond.net.au