Love you: daughter’s touching tribute to slain officer
Ethan James |
An experienced police officer shot dead in the line of duty has been remembered as a kind, caring protector and someone who “had your back”.
Constable Keith Smith was killed on June 16 while approaching a home in Tasmania’s northwest to deliver a court-ordered home repossession warrant.
A 46-year-old man, the resident of the home, has been charged with murder and attempted murder and will face court in July.
Const Smith was farewelled by family, friends and colleagues on Friday in Devonport at a funeral which was followed by a guard of honour and public street procession.
“I love you, I miss you,” his daughter Ava said in a message read to the service.
“You have taught me so much. I love your smile and your big warm hugs.
“I am so proud of you and your job. I would always tell my school friends, my dad is a policeman.”
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said Const Smith’s 25-year career was defined by the commitment shown to his community.
He received several honours, including the commissioner’s medal in 2011 and the national police service medal in 2016.
“His loss has been felt across the policing family … and the Tasmanian community,” Ms Adams said.
“They knew him, they trusted him and were better for his presence.”
Inspector Andrew Hanson said Const Smith once helped a colleague who had been in a car crash by doing her housework, driving her to work and getting groceries.
“Keith was almost a living definition of what it means to be kind, caring and gentle,” Insp Hanson said.
“He managed to bring us up when we were feeling down.”
Sergeant Joshua Hayes said Const Smith was always methodical and the “good cop”, with the pair clicking from their first shift together.
“Working with Keith, I felt safe and supported,” he said.
“I knew he had my back. He had compassion and empathy that all police should aspire to.”
Insp Hanson shared a message from Const Smith’s local branch in Ulverstone.
“Keith’s legacy will continue in us,” he said.
“His kindness … and his wonderful nature has rubbed off on us all.
“There will be a bit of Keith with us as we continue to serve the community.”
Const Smith’s wife Janaha said he had been her protector.
“You are the place we call home. We are so proud of you,” she said.
“Thank you for the best days of our lives together as a family.”
A keen cyclist, Const Smith once loaned his “Rolls-Royce” new bike to professional rider, friend and fellow Tasmanian Richie Porte.
“There were so many times during our friendship … when you went above and beyond to help a mate,” Mr Porte said in a written statement.
Const Smith’s death, the first fatal shooting of an officer in Tasmania since 1922, is being investigated by police professional standards and the coroner.
He attended the house with another experienced frontline officer, with a supporting team of three specialist operations group officers stationed in the driveway.
The alleged offender surrendered after being shot in the hand by one of the specialist operations officers, police have said.
AAP
