Hundreds of people attended an emotional service where friends and family paid tribute to the officer before he was awarded posthumous service medals for his dedication to the police force.

The 44-year-old officer died last week after he was hit by a car while out jogging off-duty.  

Brendan and wife Jakki Poustie, a police prosecutor, were both popular members of the Mount Isa community for three years before they moved to Mackay in 2016 with their two children Liam and Lucy.

Jakki’s brother Jim Fenton – a fellow police officer – spoke on behalf of the family

“I couldn’t have asked for a better friend, soul mate, husband and father to my children, ” Jim said, reading Jakki’s words.

“I have been blessed to have in my life and to have his love for the last 16 years.

"Brendan was truly one of life's great people. He never said a bad word about anyone.

"I love him then, I love him now, and I will love him forever.”

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said Sgt Poustie devoted his life to protecting the community and as a shift supervisor he was one of the first responders to the tragic Deighton St caravan and house fire in 2015.

“Brendan arrived on the scene and immediately attempted to enter the burning building while live ammunition continued to explode around him,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“It was a testament to his character and showed his dedication to duty.”

Commissioner Stewart said his family meant the world to Sgt Poustie and he presented three posthumous service medals to his family

Brendan Poustie started as a police officer in 2001 after serving two tours of duty with the Australian Army and he and Jakki met on his first day of training.

After stints across outback Queensland, they moved to Mount Isa in 2013 and then to Mackay in 2016.

Brendan was given an honour guard as the funeral left the church for burial.