a day ago
Tasmania police officer shot dead on duty identified as 57-year-old Constable Keith Anthony Smith
The Tasmania police officer shot dead while carrying out routine duties at a rural property has been identified as Constable Keith Anthony Smith.
The 57-year-old veteran was attending a property on Allison Rd in North Motton on Monday morning with a fellow officer to serve a court-ordered warrant to repossess the home.
As Smith approached the house, a 46-year-old male resident allegedly opened fire, critically injuring the constable.
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He died at the scene.
The other officer returned fire and was able to subdue and arrest the alleged offender.
The 46-year-old was not seriously injured and remains under police guard at Launceston General Hospital following surgery.
He is yet to be charged and will be interviewed by police once medically cleared.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams described Smith as a dedicated officer with a distinguished 25-year career, who was highly respected by colleagues.
'He was a genuine, dependable police officer who served the Tasmanian community well for the past 25 years,' Adams said on Monday.
On Tuesday, Adams shared further details of Smith's career, which began on 25 September 2000.
He served in the Northern District across both the Northern Crime Management Unit and in uniformed roles until 2020, when he transferred to Ulverstone.
He was awarded the Commissioner's Medal in 2011, received the National Police Service Medal in 2016 for 15 years of service, and was given the 20-year clasp in 2021.
A passionate cyclist, Smith took part in the 2011 Charity Trust bike ride.
'Keith was a respected and committed officer, and his loss will be deeply felt across our policing family and the wider community,' Adams said.
'My heart goes out to Keith's wife and family. We will be supporting them in every way we can during this incredibly difficult time.
'The Blue Family will come together today, and over the next days and weeks, and will support the family and each other.'
Adams also acknowledged the emergency services who responded to the scene.
'While no other staff have been injured in this terrible incident, all will be impacted by their involvement in such a tragic event,' she said.
Tributes have poured in from police forces and organisations across the country.
Queensland Police said: 'We grieve with our colleagues from Tasmania Police, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the tragic death of Constable Keith Anthony Smith.'
Police Veterans Victoria also offered their condolences, saying: 'While Police Veterans Victoria is a Victorian-based organisation, our support and solidarity knows no borders. The pain of losing one of our own is felt deeply across all of Australia.'
'Keith made the ultimate sacrifice and today, we remember him.'
