Final Goodbye to Second Officer Fallen in Porepunkah Ambush

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson
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The second police officer killed in a shooting ambush at Porepunkah in Victoria will be farewelled today, as the hunt for his accused killer continues.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, was killed alongside Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart on August 26 as they and eight other officers attempted to execute a search warrant at the home of Dezi Freeman in Porepunkah, Victoria.

A third police officer was wounded.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson (Victoria Police)

Thompson will be farewelled today at the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley.

“Neal was one-of-a-kind, a laid back adventurer who loved to share the outdoors with his mates,” The Police Association Victoria said in a post on Facebook.

Floral tributes outside Wangaratta Police Station. (Joe Armao)

“He was devoted to partner Lisa, the love of his life. He loved his job and he was proud of it.

“Neal had an almost 40-year career of service and a vivid plan for life after policing. Sadly, that future has been taken, but his history of service and his impact on the community he served will endure.

“‘Thommo’ will leave a void at Wangaratta that can’t be filled, in policing and in friendship.”

Accused killer Dezi Freeman. (9News)

Victoria Police on the weekend announced a $1 million reward for information leading to Freeman’s arrest – the largest award ever offered in Victoria for arrest as opposed to conviction.

The accused gunman is believed to remain heavily armed and has not been sighted since the Porepunkah shooting.

Freeman was last seen wearing dark green (khaki) tracksuit pants, dark green rain jacket, brown Blundstone boots and reading glasses.

Heavily-armed police are involved in the search. (9News)

Police had previously suggested Freeman could be receiving help from somebody in the community, but in their announcement of the reward said there was nothing to indicate he was being helped by a “specific person”.

Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.
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