Handwritten messages of grief and gratitude are filling tribute boards across Tasmania as the community struggles to come to terms with the death of Constable Keith Smith.
The 57-year-old veteran policeman was fatally shot on Monday while serving a routine court-ordered repossession warrant at a rural property in North Motton, near Ulverstone.
Smith is the first police officer to be shot dead in the line of duty in the state in more than a century. He will receive a full police funeral.
His death has sent shockwaves through Tasmania’s tight-knit communities, prompting what police say has been a “significant outpouring” of support.
Tribute boards have been set up at Ulverstone and Launceston police stations and Tasmania Police has also launched an online memorial page for people to leave messages.
“Thank you for your service Constable Smith. I am so sorry you didn’t make it home to your loved ones but I’m sure they’re incredibly proud of the job you did in protecting our Tasmanian community. Rest peacefully,” one person wrote.
Another message read: “Our deepest condolences to the family and work colleagues on the passing of Constable Smith on what seems a senseless act that we are still trying to understand. His photo reflects a gentle, kind person, which makes it even more difficult.”
“To say we are stunned and shocked that this has occurred in our beautiful Tassie would be an understatement and may it never, ever happen again.”
Police Minister Felix Ellis said officers had been deeply moved by the wave of public support.
“I know just how much they appreciate the outpouring of love and care that’s come from our beautiful community,” Ellis said.
“If you’re hurting … if you’re feeling for the family, loved ones and colleagues of Constable Smith, then consider passing on a message of support or laying some flowers.”
Constable Keith Anthony Smith served with Tasmania Police for 25 years. He joined the force in September 2000 and graduated the following May.
Over the years, he worked across communities in the north and north-west before transferring to Ulverstone in 2020, where he spent the final five years of his career.
Police Commissioner Donna Adams described him as “a respected and committed officer” whose loss would be “deeply felt across our policing family and the wider community”.
The 46-year-old man from North Motton accused of killing Smith remains under police guard in the Launceston General Hospital. He has not yet been charged.
Police Legacy Tasmania has set up a donation account to support Constable Smith’s family, with all contributions going directly to his wife and loved ones.
