Tragic death of police officer in Port Adelaide prompts locals to come together to support police

Friends, colleagues and cafe workers are among those paying tribute to the “special, kind and cherished” police officer – with one Port Adelaide local leaving a special gift.

Tributes have started to flow from community members for a female police officer who was found dead at a Port Adelaide police station on Monday.

Phil Azzarello, from Fergie Mac’s coffee shop – across the street from the Port Adelaide Police Complex on Lipson St – has served officers for three years, counting them among his most regular customers.

He said he was shocked to hear of the death of the female officer and his thoughts were with her colleagues.

“It was a shock to hear it this morning,” Mr Azzarello said.

“My condolences to her family and everybody in the workforce.

“It’s sad, and it’s not an easy job.”

Bill Azzarello of Fergie Macs cafe. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Elanya Blamey and Bee Rich of Milledges cafe. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Law Cafe worker Darren Dinh said he felt for the officer’s friends and family.

“I hope they can get through this,” he said.

“It is not a great start to the New Year, and I hope they can recover soon.

“I hope they can support each other and their family, especially the family of the officer who passed away.”

The wider community is also showing its support with one Port Adelaide local paying it forward to the officers.

Milledge’s Distillation owner Bee Rich said one of her usual customers had started a tab to pay for the officers’ morning coffees – as a kind gesture to let police know they were in people’s thoughts.

Flowers left at Port Adelaide police station after the death of the police officer on Monday. Picture: Tara Miko

She said police were among her most frequent customers, and she knew their orders if not their names.

“We appreciate everything they do for our community,” Ms Rich said.

“We love the positive attitude they bring to us. They’re very good to us. We’re thinking of them.”

Second Shot Espresso Bar owner Nicole Palombi said she was saddened by the news, and offered her condolences to the serving officers.

“My thoughts are with the detectives and patrols, and all the staff,” she said.

“Having to stay strong for the rest of their shift, and my thoughts to the family of the fallen officer.”

John Lim and Darren Dinh of The Law cafe. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Tributes have also begun to flow on social media from friends and colleagues of the woman.

“RIP you were such a lovely person, can’t believe it,” wrote Jenny Keipert.

“You were so special, so kind and someone I truly cherished throughout my time in the job,” wrote another Facebook user.

“Absolutely gutted … going to miss your bright bubbly face,” another person wrote.

Police Minister Joe Szakacs also offered his condolences.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of the police officer,” Mr Szakacs said.

“Her tragic passing will be felt deeply, and grieved widely.

“I ask everyone to keep the police family in their thoughts.”

It is understood the officer’s death occurred between 2pm and 3pm, although SA Police have not yet revealed a cause.

The Port Adelaide police station remains open and staffed.

Acting Commissioner Linda Williams said the officer’s death would be subject to a coronial investigation.

A Commissioner’s inquiry will also be undertaken into the circumstances surrounding this matter.