Remembering their service

AS THE sun set on August 26, so too ended the lives of two more Victoria Police officers, now forever etched into history.

The tragic loss of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart – killed in the line of duty in Porepunkah, Victoria – has left a deep and lasting impact on the community.

From iconic landmarks across Victoria illuminated in blue as a tribute, to the heartfelt expressions of grief from the public, the State stood united in support of a policing family in mourning.

“Whether you knew the members we lost personally, or only through the shared uniform we proudly wear, this is a day that no one in the blue family nor the community will ever forget,” Acting Senior Sergeant Jess Johnston said.

While we continue to mourn those we have lost, we are also presented with the opportunity to honour the dedicated police officers who have given their lives in service to their communities.

National Police Remembrance Day, known to many as Blue Ribbon Day forms part of a weeklong celebration known as Police Week.

The Wall to Wall: Ride for Remembrance officially marks the start of National Police Week and leads into National Police Remembrance Day. More than 2,000 motorcyclists will ride from state memorials to Canberra, uniting as one to reach the National Police Memorial – raising vital funds for Police Legacy in support of the families of our fallen.

The commemorations conclude on September 29, with National Police Remembrance Day – a solemn occasion for Victoria Police employees, their families, and the wider community to honour those who have died in the line of duty, or passed in the last year.

The commemorative parade will start at 10am and will start from Princes Bridge, St Kilda Road. They will travel along St Kilda Road to the Victoria Police Memorial, Kings Domain. A service will follow at the Victoria Police Memorial.

“National Police Remembrance Day holds great significance within the policing calendar,” Senior Sergeant Johnston said.

It not only offers us a moment to reflect on the lives lost, but also allows us to celebrate the remarkable individuals they were—and the impactful leaders they became within our organisation.”

Those wishing to donate to the Blue Ribbon Day Appeal can donate to any Woolworths Store in Victoria or online at remember.org.au/events/blue-ribbon-day

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