Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart was farewelled by family, friends and colleagues on Friday morning in a police funeral at the Victoria Police Academy chapel in Glen Waverley.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan joined more than 3000 people gathered to honour the slain police officer and pay their respects.
Three theatres were opened up to accommodate the crowd which was three times the number anticipated, with even more watching online.
Sen Const de Waart-Hottart was tragically killed alongside Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson at a rural property in Porepunkah on Tuesday 26, August as a group of 10 police officers served a warrant.
The 34-year-old has been posthumously awarded the Victoria Police Star.
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The Victoria Police Star is awarded as recognition by the Chief Commissioner, on behalf of the Victorian community, of members who are killed or seriously injured.
It acknowledges the unique and often unpredictable dangers of police work.
He has also been awarded the National Police Service Medal, National Medal and Victoria Police Service Medal.
Air Wing vision showing the guard of honour at the funeral.
Sen Const de Waart-Hottart served with Victoria Police for seven years.
He was on temporary assignment in Wangaratta and was a part of the Public Order Response Team since 2023.
The Melbourne based policeman was extremely proud to have purchased his first home in recent years and travelling was his passion.
Sen Const De Waart was fluent in French, Spanish, Flemish and English and completed scuba dives and motorcycling trips all around the world with his friends and colleagues.
He is survived by parents who live in Belgium, a younger brother in Switzerland and extended family in Melbourne.
Senior chaplain Annette in’t Hout welcomed attendees to the service and and shared a closing word of reflection and farewell.
Sen Const de Waart-Hottart's younger brother Sacha de Waart-Hottart read a eulogy, followed by a first tribute read by Constable Tali Walker-Davidson, friend and colleague.
Sen Const de Waart-Hottart's mother's words were read by his cousin Jeremy Dellavedova and a record of service was read by Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, followed by The Police Ode which was read by colleague and friend Acting Inspector Warwick Cahir.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson will be honoured at a police funeral at the Victoria Police Academy on Monday, with many of his colleagues from the Wangaratta Police Station where he served since 2007, and wider North East, are expected to attend.
SEARCH FOR FUGITIVE CONTINUES
The search for fugitive Dezi Freeman - the gunman accused of killing both police officers and wounding a third officer before fleeing into bushland behind his Porepunkah property - entered its 11th day today.
Hundreds of police, joined by defence personnel, are continuing to search bushland, properties and homes in the immediate and general area, on the ground and front the air, with the Porepunkah area remaining a no-fly zone.
Police advise that if you see Freeman, call 000 immediately but do not approach him.
Anyone with other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or visit your local police station.
