Ever-reliable, “crew-first”, and always the one to step forward with purpose – that’s how colleagues have remembered 59-year-old Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal ‘Thommo’ Thompson, who was laid to rest in a police funeral in Melbourne’s east today.
In a statement, Victoria Police said that across his 38 years of dedicated service to Victoria Police, Neal treated policing the same way he approached his hobbies – “full steam ahead”.
“He was due to finish his final shift on Friday 5 September, but right up until then Neal gave his all. After a good day catching crooks, he was often heard to say, “You’d do this for free” and more recently, “I’m gonna miss this stuff.”
“His unique phrases and humour brought camaraderie to the toughest days, and his passion for the job will be remembered always.
“Neal was a colleague, a mentor, a peer, and a friend.
“In the words of his close colleague, Detective Sergeant Chris Hill: “We are devastated at the loss of Thommo and no one can replace him. He loved us and we loved him. We will never forget him.”
“Today, as we farewell Neal, we honour his service and the legacy he leaves behind.”
His partner and fellow officer, Sergeant Lisa Thompson (pictured, above), spoke of her utter devastation in a heartbreaking eulogy.
“Words cannot convey the depth of sorrow and grief that his loss brings,” she said.
“I am scared. I don’t want to live life without you, and I don’t want to finish our dreams on my own, but I will.
“I promise I will be brave. I will love you. I will cherish every moment that I spent with you.”
Detective Leading Senior Constable Thompson and colleague, Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34, were shot and killed while attending a rural property in Porepunkah last month.
Victoria Police has announced a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest of so-called “sovereign citizen”, Desmond Freeman, following the incident.
“At this time, police are unaware of Freeman’s current location and are appealing to members of the public who do have information about his whereabouts to come forward,” Police said in a statement.
“At this time, there is nothing to indicate that Freeman is being assisted by a specific person, however given the difficult terrain and the requirement for various supplies this remains a possibility.”
Police believe Freeman remains armed and advise members of the public not to approach him.
Anyone with any information about Freeman’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
