Tributes paid to longest-serving female police officer the late Constable Sharynne Grant

TRIBUTES are being paid to South Australia’s longest serving female officer after she died in the city on Tuesday night.

Constable Sharynne Grant pictured in 1987. Pic: File

ACTING Premier John Rau and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens have paid tribute to South Australia’s longest serving female officer after she died in the city on Tuesday night.

Constable Sharynne Grant’s death was not considered suspicious.

Mr Rau described Constable Grant as a “highly-respected and long-serving member of our police force”.

“As South Australia’s longest ever serving female officer, she was a guiding light for many of her colleagues,” he said.

Tributes have been paid to Constable Sharynne Grant. Picture: File

“Constable Grant excelled in her career, and particularly so in her service as a Victim Contact Officer.

“(Her) passion for her role and empathy has provided tremendous support to victims and their families.

“Our condolences are with (Constable Grant’s) family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”

Mr Stevens described Constable Grant’s death as “tragic”.

“On behalf of all members of the South Australia Police, I extend our condolences to Sharynne’s family, friends and colleagues,” he said.

Police commissioner Grant Stevens.

“On a personal note, I am deeply saddened by her death.

“It would be inappropriate for me to further discuss the circumstances of this matter, but in keeping with usual practice a report will be prepared for the State Coroner.”

Constable Grant joined SA Police in 1975 and remained in the force until she died.

Her service to the community and support for victims of crime and those affected by trauma was recognised on Australia Day this year when she was awarded an Australian Police Medal.

In November last year, Constable Grant told ABC News it was “very emotional” being the longest serving female officer.

She said it was vital that women have a strong presence in the police force.

“I think it’s very important, they do a wonderful job,” she told the ABC.

“We’ve got a female deputy commissioner, she’s fantastic, through the ranks, and they just do wonderful work, really wonderful work and equal work with the men.

“It’s very emotional for me, being the longest serving and probably the oldest, it’s very emotional.”

Police Association of SA president Mark Carroll also passed on his condolences.

“Sharynne was a deeply respected member of the police community, loved my many and her passing is a terrible tragedy,” he said.

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Originally published as Tributes paid to longest-serving female police officer the late Constable Sharynne Grant