Hero Cop Killed in Porepunkah Shooting Honoured in Emotional Melbourne Funeral: Thousands Gather to Mourn Officer Vadim de Waart-Hottart
- Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34, was shot and killed while serving a warrant in Porepunkah last week
- Thousands of colleagues, friends, and family members attended the police funeral in Melbourne, with many more watching online from around the world
- The fallen officer was posthumously awarded the Victoria Police Star and remembered as a “hero” with a “contagious smile” and a passion for police work
Today, Melbourne came to a standstill as thousands of people gathered to pay their respects to Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, the 34-year-old police officer tragically killed in the line of duty last week. The emotional funeral service, held at the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley, was attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, and Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, among many others.
In a heartfelt eulogy, Vadim’s brother, Sacha de Waart-Hottart, remembered his sibling as a “very own superhero” who lived life to the fullest. “He was my Batman,” Sacha said, his voice trembling with emotion. “He was my protector… Then when we grew up and I didn’t need his protecting anymore, my brother found 23,000 new brothers and sisters in blue to keep protecting, and he found a way to continue helping everyone he could.”
The funeral procession was a sombre and poignant affair, with hundreds of police officers, including mounted police, lining the streets as the formal procession left the Victoria Police Academy. The chapel was lit up in blue overnight as a mark of respect, flags were lowered to half-mast, and floral tributes lined the academy’s gates.
Vadim, who served with Victoria Police for seven years, was remembered as an upbeat adventurer who constantly sought out new experiences and loved the outdoors and travel. Friends and family described him as the kind of person who was always happy, smiling, and trying to make others laugh. His piercing blue eyes were also fondly remembered by multiple speakers.
The late senior constable was posthumously awarded the Victoria Police Star, a medal that recognises officers who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. He was also awarded the Victoria Police Service Medal, the National Police Service Medal, and the National Medal.
As the search for alleged gunman Dezi Freeman continues for the eleventh day, Victoria Police has paid tribute to Vadim’s record of service, saying it will “also reflect that he has been awarded the Victoria Police Star”. Commissioner Bush described Vadim as “one of our finest officers” and said “nothing will compensate for this loss”.