Kyabram Police Station flags were at half-mast on Friday, August 29 to honour the lives of the two police officers who died in the line of duty in Porepunkah this week. There has been an outpouring of support for the local police by community members with wreaths, cards and even chocolate given to the Ky coppers.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
The Kyabram community has rallied behind its police force following the shocking deaths of two officers in Porepunkah on Tuesday, August 26.
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Flowers, wreaths, cards, chocolates and more have been left at the base of the flag poles outside the Kyabram Police Station in recent days.
It comes following the deaths of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, who were fatally shot when executing a search warrant at a rural property in the small alpine town of Porepunkah.
Sergeant Paul Van Emmerick said the situation had hit the Kyabram officers quite hard.
“Everyone is a little bit heightened and sad at the end of the day,” he said.
“Most members know most members in the area and in the district, so it’s quite sad for any person to lose a friend or a colleague for just doing their job.”
However, he expressed his gratitude for community members coming to the station and showing their support for the officers.
“It’s a thankless job. Very rarely do you get feedback in relation to the work (we) do,” Sgt Emmerick said.
“The fact of the matter is, the community coming forward and giving flowers and cards, especially from the children, and offering support to the police in Kyabram and statewide — it’s fantastic.
“I’ll tell you what I’ve noticed it, the (officers) coming to work — they’ve all got a smile on their face because they know they’re supported by the community here and statewide — it’s an amazing feeling, absolutely amazing.”
Tributes similar to Kyabram’s are rolling out across Victoria in response to the tragic incident in Porepunkah.
The alleged gunman, Dezi Freeman, has been on the run since the shooting, and residents in Porepunkah and in nearby towns have been asked to remain vigilant as Victorian Police conducts a large-scale manhunt.
Support is flowing in for officers across the state. This card thanks the officers for keeping the community safe.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
The team at the Kyabram Bakery dropped off a wreath to thank the officers for their work.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Darcy wrote this card for the officers.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Chris and Sheryl Hatch left this bouquet of flowers for the Kyabram police team.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
A drawing made for the officers.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
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