Tasmania Police is paying tribute to two officers who died this year during today’s National Police Remembrance Day commemorations, with landmarks across Hobart lit blue in their honour.
Constable Keith Smith, who was fatally shot in the state’s north-west in June and Sergeant Adam ‘Rex’ Eastley, who died suddenly from a medical condition in April, are being remembered at ceremonies today.
Commissioner Donna Adams is leading a Tasmanian contingent to the national ceremony in Canberra, where Constable Smith’s name will be officially added to the National Police Memorial.
Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said the loss of a colleague has a “marked and lasting impact” across their ranks and on the broader policing family.
“National Police Remembrance Day enables the community as a whole to reflect and honour the memory of police officers who have died while performing their duties or while serving,” he said.
“This year’s commemoration holds a heightened and sombre significance as Tasmania Police and the wider Tasmanian community mourn the loss of numerous members including one of our own in the line of duty as well the recent deaths of two police officers in Victoria in the line of duty.”
The Tasman Bridge and Wrest Point Casino will be illuminated blue tonight as part of the tribute to the fallen officers.
A ceremony is being held at the Tasmania Police Academy today to honour both men and other officers who have died in service.
“We will continue to stand united with them and ensure the legacies of those that have passed are forever preserved,” Higgins said.
“As we commemorate officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, we are reminded that every dedicated man and woman who wears a police badge often put themselves in danger to protect their community.”
“These deaths remind us of the challenging and at times dangerous nature of police work and the unpredictable path that the men and women of our police services choose to walk on behalf of the community every time they start a shift.”
