The officer shot in the face while responding to a tavern hold up on the Gold Coast is the head of the city's dog squad.
Sergeant Gary Hamrey was shot while tracking two offenders in suburban Parkwood early on Friday.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Hollands says he is a very well known officer.
"Gary's been here for a number years. I think he started down here in the 80s," he said.
"He's spent, I think, all of his time on the police dog squad down here, and he's the sergeant in charge of the dog squad on the Gold Coast."
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Residents have told of hearing a volley of shots after police tracked down two men believed responsible for holding up the Arundel Tavern at Parkwood early on Friday.
The two alleged offenders were shot by police after Sgt Hamrey was struck by a bullet in the cheek.
They have minor injuries.
Sgt Hamrey is undergoing surgery. His condition is serious but not life threatening.
