A veteran police officer who served Tasmanian communities for 25 years has been identified as the officer shot dead today at a home in the state’s north-west.
The officer had spent the past five years working in the Ulverstone area, where he was well known and respected.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams described him as a “genuine” and “dependable” member of the force.
He was fatally shot shortly after 11am while carrying out a court-approved repossession warrant of a property on Allison Road in North Motton.
Commissioner Adams said the shooting happened between the officer leaving his police vehicle and approaching the front of the house.
“It’s a tragic and devastating day for Tasmania Police and the family of one of our own who lost their life in a tragic incident,” she said.
Other officers at the scene responded immediately, returning fire. The alleged offender was shot in the hand and surrendered soon after.
“The safety of our officers is our number one priority and to see an officer tragically killed in these circumstances is truly shocking,” Commissioner Adams said.
She declined to name the fallen officer out of respect for family members who had not yet been advised of his death.
Commissioner Adams said more details about his distinguished career are expected to be shared in the coming days.
“All Tasmanian police officers stand together in shock and in grief as we try to process what’s happened this morning,” she said.
Flowers are being left on the doorstep of the Devonport Police Station in memory of the fallen officer.
An investigation into the shooting has been launched, with a number of specialist police services, professional standards and the coroner all attending the remote north-west property.
