The tragedy in Porepunkah may have unfolded hours away in Victoria but its impact is being felt deeply in Cardinia and Casey, where communities are uniting to honour the two police officers tragically killed in the line of duty.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, were fatally shot while attending a property on Rayner Track, Porepunkah, shortly after 10.30am on Tuesday 26 August.
A third officer was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body, while no other officers were physically harmed.
On 28 August, police took two people into custody as part of the ongoing investigation. Fugitive Squad detectives, assisted by the Special Operations Group, attended a Porepunkah address around 8.40pm, where a 42-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy were safely arrested, interviewed, and released pending further enquiries.
Extensive searches continue for the accused, Desmond Filby (also known as Desmond Freeman), whose whereabouts remain unknown. Detectives from the Homicide Squad, Armed Crime Squad, and Fugitive Squad are leading the investigation, with support from the Special Operations Group and Critical Incident Response Team.
Victoria Police have urged the public in and around Porepunkah to remain indoors and avoid travel to the area. Victoria Police is offering a $1M reward for information leading to the arrest of accused gunman Dezi Freeman.
Residents have been paying their respects at local police stations, leaving flowers and sharing messages of support, while the Cardinia Cultural Centre shines blue at night in recognition of the officers’ service.
Tributes are continuing at Casey Fields, where the Officer Kangaroos Junior Football Club took four grand final teams onto the field at the weekend wearing blue armbands.
Club president Shayne Honey said it was a simple but powerful gesture.
“The Officer Junior Football Club has a number of parents who are current and former Victoria Police Members and PSO’s in our club,” Honey said.
“Getting our kids to wear a blue armband for their grand final is a simple way to pay tribute to the police officers who were killed, but also show support for police officers in general.
“Our grand finals get filmed, and no doubt when the kids watch it back as they get older, it will always stick in their minds, memories and well into the future.”
AFL South East, in conjunction with the F&DJFL, MPJFL and SEJ, has extended the invitation to all teams competing in grand finals on Sunday, also encouraging a pre-game moment of silence.
Junior Football Operations Manager Caleb van Raay said all the clubs “recognise the vital role that Victoria Police and all emergency first responders play in our community, and we wish to express our support to the families, friends, and colleagues affected by this tragedy”.
Cardinia Mayor Jack Kowarzik said “the tragic events that took place in Porepunkah this week highlight the bravery and dedication of our police force, who put their lives on the line everyday to keep our community safe”.
“Our deepest condolences go to the families of the two officers who lost their lives and the officer who was wounded through this tragedy, along with their colleagues and the entire Victoria Police community,” Kowarzik said.
“As a mark of respect and gratitude, the Cardinia Cultural Centre lights will shine blue at night until the end of September, paying tribute to the heroic efforts of police officers this week – two whose lives were taken way too soon.”
Premier Jacinta Allan said Victoria Police and the community of Porepunkah “will not carry that weight alone“.
“Our Government stands with Victoria Police – today, and every day they wear that uniform with pride,“ Allan said.
“Our thoughts are with the emergency services still responding to this unthinkable crime.“
Leader of Opposition MP Brad Battin and Shadow Minister of Police MP David Southwick, also paid tribute, highlighting the risks and commitment of Victoria Police.
“Police officers know their job is dangerous – but they do it anyway to protect us. To the families who are mourning today, know that every Australian is with you,” Battin and Southwick said.
“Our thoughts are also with all Victorian police officers who will be feeling this loss deeply. We know your work is hard. The dangers you face are real. And your sacrifices are often unrecognised. Today we acknowledge your courage.
“On behalf of the Victorian Opposition, we pay tribute to their courage, their service, and their unwavering commitment to protecting our community. Their memory will never be forgotten.”
Victoria Police is “deeply moved” by the outpouring of support in local communities, across the state and beyond.
“Thank you to everyone who has stopped by your local police station with flowers, kind words and messages of support,” the spokesperson said.
“Your heartfelt gestures bring a measure of comfort in this difficult time. We understand that many wish to show further support.
“We understand that many wish to show further support. Donations can be made to the Victoria Police Legacy, a charitable not-for-profit organisation where funds go directly to those affected by this tragedy.”
For more information or to contribute, visit www.policelegacyvic.org.au
