On Thursday, 28 August cadets from the 33 Army Cadet Unit Wangaratta laid flowers at Wangaratta Police station to honour the police members who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty at Porepunkah.

Victoria Police Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, were fatally shot as police conducted a search warrant on Tuesday, 26 August and another police member was wounded.

Lieutenant (AAC) Jodie Butler second in command of 33 Army Cadet Unit Wangaratta said these honourable men went to work to serve and protect the community and unfortunately never made it home.

“During our parade night, Cadet Sergeant Tarun Mulquiney, a senior cadet, lowered the Australian National Flag paying respect to Victoria Police and their families,” she said.

“Cadet Sgt Mulquiney and other cadets were not asked to do this; it was a show of initiative to honour the police members.

“Staff and cadets want to send their condolences to the officers’ families; we pray for the safety of all emergency services personnel while they continue to protect and serve.

“Staff and cadets were upholding the Australian Army values of courage, integrity, respect, excellence and service, appreciating and honouring the work of all emergency services who support, serve and protect their communities.”