Wangaratta emergency service members took part in a powerful tribute on Thursday night to honour Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart who were killed in Porepunkah on Tuesday.
Around 60 local FRV, CFA and Ambulance Victoria members stood with Victoria Police and shared a chilling two-minute silence under the flashing lights of 11 firefighting and ambulance appliances at the Wangaratta CFA headquarters on Handley Street, adjacent to the police station.
Police members along with members of the public observed the service as emotions ran high and tears flowed for some.
Wangaratta CFA captain Jason Allisey said it had been a sombre week for the local sister emergency services, and they shared their sympathy to the families and loved ones of the two fallen officers and the third officer recovering from serious injuries sustained in the shooting.
“It’s good to see the turn out to acknowledge the sacrifices they’ve given for not only us but the community of Wangaratta and North East Victoria,” he said.
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“It’s an absolute tragedy and we’re here to support our Victoria Police colleagues.”
At the end of the silence, two long horns, one for each fallen officer, sounded and the line disbanded.
Mr Allisey himself had a close connection with Det Led Sen Const Thompson, having known him and worked with him for the best part of two decades.
“He was a total community man,” he said.
Blue lights will illuminate at the Wangaratta CFA station until police capture the alleged gunman on the run, Dezi Freeman.
Community tributes continue to flow for the Wangaratta stationed policemen who were at opposite ends of their careers.
Det Led Sen Const Thompson was on the verge of retirement as Sen Const De Waart was beginning a promising career as part of the Public Order Response Team.
Wangaratta City FC teams will wear arm bands and observe a minute of silence prior to Saturday’s semi-finals at Savoy Park in Myrtleford to honour both officers.
Det Led Sen Const Thompson was a long-time member of the club’s over 35s team and a member of North East Red Devils seniors team who played in the Masters circuit on a regular basis.
In a club statement, his teammates say his favourite position was striker, and despite his size, he was remarkably quick on his feet.
“He is fondly remembered by some of our current senior players as a leader and role model and he will be terribly missed,” it read.
The Tallangatta Football Netball League will have teams wearing armbands and observing a minute silence before all football matches at Sandy Creek over the weekend.
Det Led Sen Const Thompson was a regular on the Beechworth junior football as step-father to Jobe and Eden, who played for the local under 12s and under 14s sides this season.
A club spokesperson said the club were overwhelmed by the gesture from the league.
