Australia will recognise the sacrifice of police officers this National Police Remembrance Day on 29 September.
2025 has been a significant year for the police force, with the alleged shooting of detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson and senior constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah sending waves of grief and shock throughout the country.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the death of one of our own local officers from Yarra Junction.
In the early hours of Sunday 24 April, 2005, senior constable Tony Clarke was shot and killed by a drunk driver while on patrol on Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction.
Just like the deaths of Mr Thompson and Mr De Waart-Hottart, the shooting of Mr Clarke left the Yarra Ranges community reeling with grief.
Mr Clarke had intercepted a vehicle and was about to administer a breath test when at some point, the driver managed to gain possession of Mr Clarke’s gun.
The driver fatally shot Mr Clarke before he stole the police car and left the scene.
Other police officers discovered Mr Clarke’s body shortly after and later the police discovered the stolen vehicle in LIlydale, where the driver’s body was found.
The driver had committed suicide using Mr Clarke’s gun.
Mr Clarke was regarded as an efficient and dedicated police member who was highly regarded by his colleagues and superiors.
Deaths like these only further cemented the importance in recognising the efforts of police – the things they witness and deal with so we don’t have to.
Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said 178 officers have died while serving the community in Victoria.
“Behind the uniform they represented with courage, care and compassion, we remember 178 people. People who loved and were loved and whose loss is a burden shouldered by those they left behind.
“We hold their memory dear and their families, friends and colleagues in our thoughts every day, but even moreso on dedicated days of reflection like Police Remembrance Day,” Mr Gatt said.
He said the death of Mr Thompson and Mr De Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah meant this year’s National Police Remembrance Day had added significance.
“The loss of detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson and senior constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart remains raw and overwhelming.
“It reminds us of the spectre of self-sacrifice that shadows every police officer and every police family, whenever a member puts on the uniform, sets foot into the unknown in pursuit of justice or puts themselves between good and evil in the protection of those who rely on them.”
