Knox Emergency Services Unite in Tribute
Members from the Knox CFA Group, FRV Station 85 and SES Knox gathered outside the Knox Police Station. They stood shoulder to shoulder with Victoria Police in a show of unity and support.
The solemn gathering was held to honour two Victoria Police officers who tragically lost their lives in Porepunkah on Tuesday 26 August. The officers died while executing a search warrant in country Victoria.
Ceremony to Honour Fallen Officers
A short ceremony was conducted to mark the loss. Emergency service members then observed two minutes of silence. The silence reflected a deep respect for the officers’ sacrifice and the grief felt across Victoria’s emergency service community.
Remembering Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, aged 59, was nearing retirement. “Thommo” as he was known to his colleagues, spent seven years at the Collingwood Police Station before undertaking his most recent post at Wangaratta in 2007.
He was remembered as a dedicated officer, a supportive colleague and a man committed to community safety. Thompson had served with Victoria Police for nearly 40 years. He leaves behind his partner Lisa.
Honouring Senior Constable Vadim De Waart
Senior Constable Vadim De Waart was also killed on 26 August during the Porepunkah operation. He was just 35 years old. De Waart had served as a Police Officer for seven years. In April 2023, he joined the Public Order Response Team.
Beyond the force, De Waart was an avid traveler with a love for scuba diving and motorcycling.
He had previously studied and worked in Europe and was fluent in four different languages.
De Waart is survived by his parents, who live in Belgium, a younger brother in Switzerland and extended family in Melbourne.
Community Stands Beside Victoria Police
The service tonight showed how strongly the local emergency services community supports Victoria Police. Standing side by side symbolized shared grief, respect and commitment to those who protect Victoria daily.
Thoughts and prayers remain with the families, colleagues and friends of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart.
Members of the community have been paying their respects at the Knox Police Station. A memorial has been placed in the foyer to honour both officers. Flowers, cards and messages of support grow with each passing day. The outpouring of sympathy and support from the community to our Police force has been both significant and moving.
