Two Victoria Police officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, will be honored with funerals at the Police Academy Chapel in Glen Waverley, marking the end of their distinguished careers. The memorial services are set for March 15 and March 18, 2024, respectively, at the iconic chapel tower that has served as a significant landmark since the academy’s establishment in 1973.
A Landmark of Training and Legacy
The chapel tower, a prominent feature visible for kilometers, stands at 48 metres and is often used as a navigation point for light aircraft approaching Moorabbin Airport. From its peak, visitors can gaze out over Port Phillip Bay and the Heads that open into the ocean. The tower, now devoid of its bells, is occasionally used for training exercises, reflecting its ongoing role in police education.
Since its inception as a training hub for Victoria Police, the former Corpus Christi College has been integral to the development of many officers, including Thompson and de Waart-Hottart, who began their careers there. Their funerals at the site hold deep significance, symbolizing the culmination of their professional journeys in a place that has been home to countless similar stories.
A Gathering of Remembrance
Attendance at the funerals is expected to exceed the chapel’s capacity, which seats 500 comfortably, with standing room accommodating an additional 100 and a balcony that can fit 150 more. In preparation for the expected turnout, the side wings of the chapel will feature portraits of former chief commissioners, and the foyer will be filled with family, friends, and colleagues.
Among the attendees will be fellow police officers, retired members, and community leaders, all drawn to pay their respects to the two officers. The atmosphere will be one of solemn reflection, as those gathered remember not only their contributions to the force but also the personal connections shared with both Thompson and de Waart-Hottart.
The services will serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by police officers and the sacrifices made in service to their communities. As the gatherings unfold at the Police Academy, they will honor the legacies of two dedicated individuals who have left an indelible mark on the Victoria Police force.
