A pall of sadness has fallen across the North East this week, following news of the tragic deaths of two police officers, killed in the line of duty at Porepunkah.
As the nation's media turned its attention to the small town at the foot of Mount Buffalo, which is usually the focus of snow-goers at this time of year, the region collectively bowed its head in mourning.
One of our quiet alpine towns was suddenly, inexplicably, a crime scene.
In between television news bulletins delivering the latest updates on the incident, including the hunt for the alleged gunman, it was particularly heart-wrenching to see new Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush appear in the first round of advertising for September 29's Blue Ribbon Day.
His words about the loss of Victorian officers on the job were even more poignant than they would have been, given the events of this week.
They reinforced the absolute tragedy of police deaths.
For our Wangaratta community, the devastation and loss of respected and long-time officer Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson is deeply personal and heartbreaking.
It is something many are still trying to comprehend, and our deepest condolences are extended to his family and colleagues, who will have our support in the times ahead.
We always know in our hearts that our police officers put their lives on the line to protect others, but incidents like this bring that knowledge to the fore, and the outpouring of grief and support has shown what it means to the Victorian public.
