General News
3 October, 2025
Community honours fallen officers
Fallen officers were honoured by their colleagues and the community on Monday, September 29, as the nation gathered for National Police Remembrance Day.
The Wimmera's Victoria Police members, family and friends gathered at St Michael and John’s Catholic Church to pay their respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
There have been 178 Victoria Police officers killed while serving and protecting the community since the force was established in 1853.
Sadly, two of the names added to the memorial’s honour wall were Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart.
Both officers were shot and killed while executing a search warrant in Porepunkah on August 26.
Victoria Police’s Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said when a police officer is killed in the line of duty, the impact is felt across the nation.
“Today on National Police Remembrance Day and every day, we pay our respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
“The bravery, service and commitment of our police to wear the uniform despite the daily risks of the job can never be underestimated.”
In the past 12 months, 11 police, protective services officers, police custody officers, Victorian Public Service employees and police chaplains who died through illness or other circumstances were also recognised in the commemorations.
A historical death was also added to the memorial’s honour wall; Constable Patrick Whyte died after becoming seriously ill while on a drill at the Russell Street Barracks in 1866.
National Police Remembrance Day coincides with Blue Ribbon Day, an initiative of the Blue Ribbon Foundation which raises money for new and improved emergency facilities in Victorian public hospitals.
