Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig remembered as ‘legendary community cop’ in police funeral
Jason Doig’s brother delivered an emotional eulogy as the state’s policing community honoured their colleague gunned down in the line of duty. See the videos.
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Brevet Sergeant Jason Christopher Doig personified country policing.
Kind, generous, dedicated and caring, “Doigy” was the heart of the Lucindale community and a “legendary country cop” who served with distinction, honour and courage.
These tributes and so many others flowed for Sgt Doig on Monday as an ocean of navy blue uniforms and a heartbroken police force and state watched on.
“Jason modelled what country policing is all about – working with your community to achieve the best outcomes,” Acting Commissioner Linda Williams said.
“He was a strong advocate for listening to people and always had their best interests at heart.”
Thousands filled the Adelaide Convention Centre to celebrate the life of Sgt Doig, who was gunned down while on duty in an incident near Bordertown in the state’s South-East on November 16, while thousands more lined city streets in a guard of honour that stretched to the Torrens Parade Ground.
Sgt Doig, who was the first officer to lose his life in a shooting in SA since 1985, was remembered as a generous friend, a motorbike lover with an “almost demonic” riding ability, an adventurer, a fair and empathetic soul and an irreplaceable loss in the lives of all he touched.
He was killed while responding to an incident alongside Bordertown officers Constable Rebekah Cass and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson.
Sgt Hutchinson suffered non-life threatening injuries in the shooting, with Ms Williams last week praising both officers’ courage.
“Both Sergeant Hutchinson and Constable Cass placed themselves at great personal risk to render first aid to Brevet Sergeant Doig and handcuff the accused under what was an incredibly confronting and distressing incident,” Ms Williams said.
“It is now evident to me that Sergeant Hutchinson and Constable Cass performed their duties on the night with courage and bravery.”
Jaydn Stimson, 26, was charged with murder and attempted murder after he allegedly opened fire on the officers when they arrived.
On Monday, the police band’s horns opened Sgt Doig’s service, which was attended by Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and wife Emma, police commissioners from every state and territory, senior New Zealand police, Governor Frances Adamson, federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, Premier Peter Malinauskas and cabinet ministers.
At the front of the room, Sgt Doig’s coffin was adorned with a colourful bouquet — a fitting homage to the 53-year-old’s bright presence in the Lucindale community.
Acting Commissioner Linda Williams said Sgt Doig was a passionate, meticulous officer – and also a compassionate, community-minded, generous and kind man who was the benchmark for what community policing should be.
Sgt Doig’s career began on October 12, 1989, when a fresh-faced 19-year-old ventured to the Police Academy.
Before embarking on his policing journey, Sgt Doig had applied to the Royal Australian Air Force – a passion for planes that earned him the nickname “Biggles” among his colleagues.
Ms Williams said Sgt Doig’s unusual surname earned him another nickname – “Dog with an ‘I’” – which he took in his quintessential, easygoing stride.
A tenacious young officer with a friendly nature, Sgt Doig quickly made fast friends within the policing community.
After graduating, Sgt Doig developed a reputation for being a thorough and methodical investigator – but it was his kind, empathetic character and passion for the communities he served that set him apart.
“He was courteous to criminals that he dealt with and had a knack of keeping them on side with his approachable demeanour,” Ms Williams said.
“His tenacity saw him earn the nickname ‘Action Jason’, because he never did things by half and wanted to do it all at once.”
After a number of postings, Sgt Doig developed an affinity for country policing and the opportunities it offered to immerse himself in the local community, getting involved in activities and helping out where he could.
In 2007, Sgt Doig – with his love for boating, biking and all things outdoors – made the journey to the Limestone Coast to continue his love for the country and, in 2011, moved to Lucindale for what would be his final posting.
Ms Williams said Sgt Doig was integral to the success of the annual Lucindale Field Day and an active member of the local service area’s Work Health and Safety Committee.
“Jason was renowned for engaging with community members about road safety and drink driving, with this increased awareness likely to have saved countless lives,” she said.
She said it was Sgt Doig’s team-first attitude and willingness to travel to assist others that saw him attend the fateful incident at Senior that took his life.
Fighting back tears, Sgt Doig’s brother Brett Doig said the 53-year-old’s life was tragically cut short – but in the years he had on this earth, he “lived life to the full”.
“(Jason) had a very broad list of incredible achievements, unmissable experiences, unbreakable, lifelong connections through friendship and community, and selfless dedication to his colleagues, community, friends and family,” Brett said.
“He embraced it, he never backed away from a challenge or a new adventure. In fact he sought them out.
“But at 53, Jason was not done yet.
“Jason was so incredibly generous. He loved to give, never about the monetary value, but always about the usefulness or the need.
“His generosity was not only about gifts, but also his time. His knowledge was broad, predominantly practical, and very, very useful. He gave his knowledge and his time freely and without any expectations.
Brett said while Jason, and his family, had been “robbed of his future”, his spirit would “soar and fly high” if others continued to “show and demonstrate the care, compassion, generosity and, ultimately, love that Jason showed during his time with us”.
“Love is stronger than death,” he said.
Superintendent Campbell Hill, who spent the past five years as Sgt Doig’s colleague and friend as the Limestone Coast local service area officer-in-charge, said his role as a community officer was “only the half” of the 53-year-old’s vibrant life.
“He led such a rich life outside of his work, enjoying his pursuits, heading to Robe with his mates for his annual January holidays — which was a little bit of a discussion point around rostering and I must add, generally he got it,” Supt Hill joked.
“He embraced his almost alter-ego that we’ve since learned about, rampaging with his almost demotic motorbike ability, assisting as a volunteer lifeguard, helping people with their gardens or having a chat with locals at the pub.”
Sgt Doig, who loved fishing and the water was also a member of the Royal Australian Navy Reserve as a diver from 1995 to 1998.
Supt Hill read the poem Hero’s Welcome by Robert Longley on behalf of Sgt Hutchinson, who suffered non-life threatening injuries in the shooting at Senior, in honour of his fallen mate.
“Time to come home dear brother, your tour of duty through. You’ve given as much as anyone could be expected to do,” he said.
“Just a few steps further, the smoke will start to clear. Others here will guide you, you have no need of fear. You have not failed your brothers, you clearly gave it all.
“And through your selfless actions, others will hear the call. So take your place of honour among those who have gone before.
“And know you will be remembered for now and evermore.”
Supt Hill said it was Sgt Doig’s desire to back up his mates that led to his tragic death beside Constable Cass and Sgt Cass.
“For what a member of the public would expect of a country solo police officer, Jason was that,” Supt Hill said.
“We are thankful for the efforts he made and the dedication he provided to his professional community, for which he never saw praise or two big note himself, he just went about his work with a quiet integrity.”
He wiped away tears as Amazing Grace rang out through the room to end his mate’s service.
Moments later, uniformed police hoisted Sgt Doig onto their shoulders and led him towards his final resting place arm in arm – a symbol of the policing community’s unimaginable grief.
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