A respected police officer known as Cassandra Chapman drowned while she was scuba diving at Perth’s Mettams Pool on Tuesday.
She was reportedly off-duty when she encountered trouble while she was with a friend.
After receiving reports about a disturbance at the pool, emergency services, including a rescue helicopter and surf lifesavers, were sent to the area.
Unfortunately, despite efforts to save the officer, she died at the scene due to her injuries.
Chapman, who was in her 40s and was a highly-respected officer, was involved in an incident involving her superior officer Alister Swift last year.
In 2020, Chapman got into an argument with her colleague at a Cloverdale residence. She asked him what he was doing and told him that he was out of line for his behavior.
The two officers were called to the house after receiving reports about a domestic disturbance. Swift then kicked the female officer before reprimanding her.
In her testimony against her colleague, Chapman said she was forced to put her career on the line to defend the values that society had established for police officers.
Judge Mara Barone commended her for standing up for the expectations that police officers had to meet.
When Chapman filed a complaint, Swift was charged. After pleading guilty to assault and deprivation of liberty, Swift was sentenced to two years imprisonment.
This week, the death of Chapman prompted an outpouring of support from her colleagues and friends. Online tributes paid tribute to her as a first-class individual and a treasured colleague.
One of her friends posted a tribute that described her as a kind and loving individual. She said she will be greatly missed by her friends and colleagues.
A spokesperson for the WA Police said the agency would provide support to the individuals who are affected by the tragic incident.
The police department released a statement to extend its condolences to the family and friends of the officer.
It said that it was a difficult time for the officers when they have to attend to situations involving their own.
The circumstances surrounding Chapman’s death were not considered suspicious.