11 hours ago
Tasmanian Constable Keith Anthony Smith is being farewelled with a police funeral in Devonport
Tasmanian Constable Keith Anthony Smith is being farewelled by family, friends and colleagues with a police funeral today in Devonport.
The 57-year-old officer was shot dead on June 16 during a "routine" job to serve a warrant to the owner of a rural property in North Motton, in the state's north-west.
At the request of Contable Smith's family, the funeral is open only to friends, family and invited guests and police.
A live stream of the service is available.
Constable Smith, who served for 25 years with Tasmania Police, will be given a guard of honour and procession through the streets of Devonport after the service.
Tasmanian Police Commissioner Donna Adams will deliver an address at the funeral and a eulogy will be given by Inspector Andrew Hanson and Sergeant Joshua Hayes.
Commissioner Adams has described Constable Smith's death as a "traumatic and tragic event" that has left the community shocked.
"Keith served with unwavering dedication and integrity, and his legacy will not be forgotten," Commissioner Adams said last week.
Despite being in the midst of a state election campaign, Tasmanian politicians have paused all campaigning for the day out of respect for Constable Smith.
Constable Smith was shot and killed on Monday 16 June, while attending a North Motton property with another police officer and two civilians.
They were there to deliver a court-ordered repossession notice of the property.
Constable Smith was allegedly shot with a rifle, "sometime between" leaving his car and making his way to the front of a house, according to Commissioner Adams.
Police have charged 46-year-old Leigh Geoffrey Sushames with murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault after the fatal shooting of Constable Smith.
Mr Sushames will next appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on July 7.
