Tributes for ‘proud and brave’ Constable Keith Anthony Smith killed in shooting incident on regional Tasmania property

A veteran police officer who was shot dead while completing a routine job at a regional property has been remembered as “proud and brave”.

Tributes have flowed for Constable Keith Anthony Smith, who was killed in an “incredibly rare” shooting in Tasmania’s north.

Constable Smith, 57, an officer for 25 years at Tasmania Police, was executing a court-ordered repossession warrant on a regional property in North Motton with another officer on Monday.

Constable Keith Anthony Smith was killed during a shooting in Tasmania. Picture: Facebook

He had been on the job for 25 years.

Constable Smith was shot and killed at the property – the first fatal police shooting in more than 25 years.

On Tuesday, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Constable Smith was “proud and brave” and had started his day like any other “by putting on his Tasmania Police uniform”.

“A day that began like many others. A day where he started, like all others, to protect

and serve us all - all Tasmanians,” he said.

“Tragically, Constable Smith did not return home to put on the civvies. To be with the people that he loved and those who loved him.”

He also paid respect to the fallen officer’s family, saying their “grief (would be) shared by all Tasmanians”.

“The heartbreak of this … tragedy will be felt clearly in this local community of Ulverstone, the Central Coast, the entire western district and indeed in every corner of the state of Tasmania,” he said.

“Tasmania Police is just not a service - as the Commissioner said last night, it is indeed a family.

“And when one of their own is injured or falls, there is a ripple right throughout the entire Tasmania police service, through every rank and every station.”

TIt is the first fatal police shooting in mor than 25 years. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker

Police Minister Felix Ellis said the officer’s death was an “unimaginable tragedy”.

“The family and loved ones of Constable Keith Smith are grieving today, and the whole community stands united with them in support,” Mr Ellis said.

He said much of the community were close to Constable Smith, and would be hugging their families “a little tighter tonight” in the wake of the “incomprehensible” tragedy.

“He served our community across Tasmania for 25 years, and did so with distinction and with honour,” he said.

His death is the first fatal police shooting since 1999, which Mr Ellis said was “incredibly rare”.

“When we have an event, as unusual and as rare as this, it really just brings home how dangerous this job can be,” he said.

The officer was shot at a regional Tasmania property. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker

Ulverstone Mayor Sheryl Fuller said the tight-knit community was shaken by the officer’s death.

“Our hearts and thoughts and prayers are with those immediately affected,” she said.

Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams identified the fallen officer with permission from his family.

She said the police veteran had previously worked in the north and northwest region of the state before moving to the Ulverstone area about five years ago.

Constable Smith joined Tasmania Police in 2000 and received the Commissioner’s Medal in 2011, as well as the National Police Service Medal for 15 years in service.

“Keith was a respected and committed officer, and his loss will be deeply felt across our policing family and the wider community,” she said.

“My heart goes out to Keith’s wife and family. We will be supporting them in every way we can during this incredibly difficult time.

“The Blue Family will come together today, and over the next days and weeks, and will support the family and each other.”

Commissioner Donna Adams said the shooting was a tragedy. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Sturzaker

Commissioner Adams praised the forensic team on the scene, who worked through the night gathering evidence into the incident.

“While no other staff have been injured in this terrible incident, all will be impacted by their involvement in such a tragic event,” she said.

A 46-year-old North Motton man has been arrested and has been taken to Launceston General Hospital for treatment.

An investigation into the incident continues.

No charges have been laid.

Originally published as Tributes for ‘proud and brave’ Constable Keith Anthony Smith killed in shooting incident on regional Tasmania property