Sergeant Catherine Benning, Senior Constables Michelle Tite and Jamie Rimmer, and Local Area Commander Inspector Anna Parkinson have been overwhelmed by the recent community support officers at the Seymour Police Station have been shown.
Photo by
Billie Davern
A torrent of support and sympathy has inundated local police in the wake of a recent tragedy in Porepunkah.
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On the morning of Tuesday, August 26, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart were fatally shot when executing a search warrant at a rural property in the small alpine town of Porepunkah.
Following the incident, Seymour members have been overwhelmed by the community’s compassion.
Mitchell Local Area Commander Inspector Anna Parkinson said it was staggering to see the community rally behind the station.
“The outpouring from the community in terms of the support for our police members has been absolutely outstanding, we’re very humbled and appreciative that we have that support whilst going through this really difficult time,” Insp Parkinson said.
“We really appreciate it, and it really helps boost my members’ morale when we get those huge bunches of flowers and lots of food and little cards from the community.
“We’re very, very thankful.”
Insp Anna Parkinson holds a letter handed to police by a local child.
Photo by
Billie Davern
While the investigation into the incident remains ongoing, Victorians across the state are paying tribute to the fallen officers, their families and other members of the force.
Overnight on Wednesday, August 27, the Victorian parliament was lit in all blue, a solemn symbol of honour, and a reminder to Victoria Police that the state stands with it.
Insp Parkinson said the tragedy hit close to home for some in the local force.
“The community is feeling just as devastated as we are as to what’s happened. Everyone does that sort of reflection that it very easily could have been our community,” Insp Parkinson said.
“Obviously, we’re very close to our colleagues where it occurred, and a lot of members around this area knew both of the members as well.
“It’s been hard, but we’re being looked after by Victoria Police, which is great, and we’re all looking after each other.”
A search is still under way to locate alleged gunman Desmond Filby, also known as Desmond Freeman, in connection to the incident.
At this stage, there have been no confirmed sightings of the man, who is believed to be armed with firearms, police said.
Police are urging people not to travel into the Porepunkah area, and are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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