Hundreds of police officers and mourners have gathered at the Victoria Police Academy in Melbourne for the funeral of slain officer Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, who was on the cusp of retirement when he was killed on duty.
The chapel inside the academy is overflowing with mourners for the second Victoria Police officer killed in a shooting in Victoria’s north-east last month.
Funeral for fallen police officer Detective Leading Senior Constable Neil Thompson at the Victorian Police Academy on Monday.Credit: Justin McManus
Thompson, 59, was based at the Wangaratta Crime Investigation Unit, and was just days away from retirement after 38 years in the police force when he was killed.
He was shot and killed by alleged gunman Dezi Freeman on August 26, while executing a warrant, alongside his colleague Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, who was farewelled last week.
Thompson’s partner of six years, fellow police officer Lisa Thompson, has started the tributes at the funeral telling mourners about how much he had changed her life.
She spoke about how every day with him was an adventure, how much their families and friends adored him, and how he “showed us how brilliant life is, if you have the courage”.
A condolence card laid on behalf of the Victorian people today. Credit: Justin McManus
“I am scared to live life without you, and I don’t want to finish your dreams on my own, but I will, I promise. I will be brave,” she said.
“I will love you. I will honour you and cherish every moment that I spent with you.”
The two sisters of the slain police officer, Lois Kirk and Diane Thompson, have also paid tribute to their brother describing him as their hero and protector.
“One of the proudest days for Mum and Dad was when you graduated from the academy,” the sisters said in their eulogy.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan are among the mourners. Credit: Justin McManus
“You were their golden boy who could do no wrong … the stories you told us about your job were harrowing and eye-opening at equal measures.”
They finished their eulogy by saying Thompson can now be reunited with their parents on the other side and in the beyond.
“You can now enjoy fishing … with dad or watch mum playing croquet,” they said. “You will always be our big brother.”
The chapel erupted into applause.
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