The Police Academy in Glen Waverley is preparing to host a solemn farewell for two dedicated officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, who passed away recently. The services will take place at the Academy, where both officers began their careers and where many in the community will gather to honor their service.
Significance of the Police Academy Chapel Tower
The Police Academy Chapel Tower, a prominent landmark visible for kilometers, serves not only as a navigational point for light aircraft approaching Moorabbin Airport, but also as a symbol of the training and dedication that defines the Victoria Police. The tower, standing at 48 meters, offers a view of the surrounding area, including Port Phillip Bay and the coastal heads. It has been a central hub for police training since its establishment in 1973, when it took over from the former Corpus Christi College.
On Friday, the community will gather to pay their respects to Senior Constable de Waart-Hottart. The following Monday, the focus will shift to Detective Thompson’s funeral. Given the importance of these services, the chapel, which accommodates 500 comfortably and can hold up to 600 with standing room, is expected to be filled to capacity. An additional 150 attendees can fit in the balcony, but even that may prove insufficient.
A Gathering to Honor Service and Sacrifice
The side wings of the chapel will feature portraits of former chief commissioners, alongside the Sword of Honour, as a poignant reminder of the legacy these officers leave behind. The foyer will be filled with attendees, including fellow officers, retired members, and local politicians, all drawn to the tower on the hill to pay tribute.
This gathering reflects the deep respect and camaraderie within the police community. Close colleagues, veteran officers in formal attire, and family members will come together to honor the lives of two individuals who dedicated their careers to the safety of the public. Their contributions to the Victoria Police will be remembered long after the services conclude.
The loss felt by the community is profound, as friends and colleagues share their memories of the two officers. Rod Miller, a police officer who had a notable funeral in 1998, serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of police service on families and communities. As the bells of the tower remain silent, the legacy of Thompson and de Waart-Hottart will echo through the hearts of those who knew them.
