News

Respects paid across Cobram

By Owen Sinclair

Aug 28, 2025

Flagstaffs across Cobram have on Thursday flown at half-mast, as authorities continue the hunt for alleged police killer Dezi Freeman.

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Flags at the Moira Shire Council offices, Cobram Police Station and the Cobram Cenotaph have been lowered in tribute to slain Victoria Police officers Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35.

Council chair administrator Graeme Emonson said council was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the two Victoria Police officers at Porepunkah this week, and its thoughts were with a third officer recovering from injuries.

“We are thinking of Moira’s officers during this devastating time,” Dr Emonson said.

“We are grateful for their commitment and service, and above all, their dedication to our community.

“Our thoughts are with the officers’ families and friends, other officers involved, the wider Victoria Police community and the Porepunkah and Alpine Shire communities.”

The search for Freeman continues after the two officers were allegedly ambushed and killed by the self-proclaimed ‘sovereign citizen’ at a property near Porepunkah on Tuesday, August 26.