Three police officers who were tragically shot dead in the line of duty this year are being honored as part of National Police Remembrance Day services across Australia. The solemn occasion serves as a tribute to the courage, commitment, and dedication of all police officers who protect the community.
Commemorations have unfolded nationwide, culminating in a national service in Canberra this afternoon. The event began with a march from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) headquarters in Barton to the National Police Memorial. According to a statement from the AFP, this year’s commemoration holds a “heightened and sombre significance” following the recent brutal murder of two Victoria Police members in Porepunkah.
The names of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart will be added to the National Police Memorial in Canberra next year. This year, the memorial will include a touchstone for Tasmania Police member Constable Keith Anthony Smith, 57, who was fatally shot while serving a court-issued warrant at a rural property in the state’s northwest in June.
Deaths of Two Victorian Officers Loom Large
In Melbourne, the recent deaths of the two Victorian Police officers cast a shadow over Monday’s ceremony. The officers were fatally shot by alleged gunman Dezi Freeman while attempting to execute a search warrant in the state’s Alpine region. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush acknowledged the families and loved ones of the fallen officers in the crowd.
“None of us will forget the events of 26 August 2025 in Porepunkah when two of our very brave, courageous officers had their lives taken,” he said.
Chief Commissioner Bush also noted that more than 200 police officers are currently dedicated to the search for Dezi Freeman, a reduction from about 500 in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Despite hundreds of public tip-offs and a $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest, authorities have had no confirmed sightings of Freeman a month after the shooting.
Retired Victoria Police homicide detective Charlie Bezzina expressed concerns about the sustainability of the search due to its cost and resource demands. Meanwhile, hundreds of current and former members of Victoria Police and their families marched from Princes Bridge to the Victoria Police Memorial, where the two officers’ names were added to the monument.
Tributes to Tasmanian and Other Fallen Officers
Family and colleagues of Tasmanian Constable Smith, including Tasmania’s Police Commissioner Donna Adams, attended the national ceremony in Canberra. At a ceremony at the Tasmania Police Academy, Sergeant Adam “Rex” Eastley, who died suddenly from a medical condition in April, was also remembered.
“Rex was a character; he lifted the spirits of those around him … he led a team of much junior members, where we graduate our recruits to, who all followed him,” Deputy Commissioner Higgins said.
Deputy Commissioner Higgins emphasized the lasting impact of losing a colleague and the importance of coming together to remember those who have fallen.
In Sydney, the names of eight more NSW Police Force members killed in the line of duty were added to the Wall of Remembrance this year. Some of these names date back more than a century, underscoring the long-standing risks faced by police officers.
Commemorations Across the Nation
In Darwin, past and present police officers marched through the CBD before arriving at St Mary’s Cathedral for an official service. The remembrance comes nearly a year after the death of Darwin-based police officer Constable Johnston, who died on Christmas Day while on leave. Acting Commissioner Martin Dole highlighted the community impact of Johnston’s death and the toll of policing on families.
“Constable Johnston exemplified what it was to be a community police officer. He started as an Aboriginal community police officer and served over 16 years in the NT Police Force and dedicated himself to service,” he said.
In Brisbane, hundreds gathered for the National Police Remembrance Day service at the city’s Botanic Gardens. Dignitaries, including Premier David Crisafulli and Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, laid floral tributes in honor of fallen officers.
“It is a chance for us to pause, reflect, and remember the ultimate sacrifice made by those who have come before us and remember their dedication and commitment to keeping communities near and far safe,” Commissioner Gollschewski stated.
The day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by police officers and the ongoing need for community support and understanding. As Australia honors its fallen officers, the nation reflects on the courage and dedication required to serve and protect.
