"There will be a bit of Keith with us as we continue to serve the community."
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Those were the words of colleague and friend Inspector Andrew Hanson as the community came together on Friday, June 27, to farewell Constable Keith Anthony Smith.
Constable Smith, 57, was killed in the line of duty at a rural property in Tasmania on June 16.
He had served in the force for 25 years and had been stationed at Ulverstone for the past five years.
The sound of bagpipes filled the air as hundreds of people gathered at the paranaple Centre in Devonport to pay tribute to Keith's service as an officer, a husband, a father and a friend.
Family farewells beloved son, husband, father
In words shared from Keith's wife, Janaha, she said he was more than just a husband and a father.
"You were our protector and safe place," Janaha said.
"Thank you for the best days of our life together, and loving Ava and I unconditionally."
Janaha said there was never a day that went by without receiving a text message from her husband that said "I love you" or "I miss you".
"This is not goodbye, this is I'll see you in a minute," she said.
"I love you forever my special blue boy."
Keith's daughter, Ava, said her dad had taught her so much.
"I love your big smile and your big warm hugs," Ava said in words that were read out.
She said she was so proud of her dad and his job, and would always tell her friends at school that her dad was a policeman.
"I love you so much for taking wonderful care of me and mum," Ava shared.
"I love you forever, bubba."
Constable Smith's adopted father-in-law, Dudley Corbett, also shared a poem to remember the "great man".
Two decades' worth of service
Constable Smith grew up at Bridgenorth and shared a special bond with his grandfather Alfred.
After college, he started working for his father, Graham, before working at an electronics store.
He later started his own business while volunteering at a bike store.
But wanting to follow in his uncle's footsteps, Constable Smith enrolled in the police academy.
Constable Smith joined Tasmania Police on September 25, 2000, graduating on May 11, 2001, as part of Course 3/2000.
He was a passionate cyclist and participated in three charity trust bike rides.
Constable Smith served in the Northern District in both the Northern Crime Management Unit and uniform roles until 2020, when he transferred to Ulverstone uniform.
He received the Commissioner's Medal in 2011 and 20-year clasp in 2021, as well as the National Police Service Medal (15 years) in 2016.
'Keith's legacy will continue with us'
Inspector Hanson, who first worked with Keith as a brand-new officer, said his friend and colleague was kind, team-oriented, and always had time for the people around him.
"Keith was really a living definition of what it meant to be kind, what it meant to be caring, and what it meant to be gentle," Inspector Hanson said.
"I credit him with making me the person and the police officer I am today."
Inspector Hanson said when he was transferred to the Ulverstone Police Station in January this year it took no less than 10 minutes before Constable Smith embraced him in one of his famous bear hugs.
"It instantly made me feel like I belonged there," he said.
"He genuinely embodied service, compassion and quiet strength."
On behalf of the Ulverstone Police Station, Inspector Hanson shared a message directly to Constable Smith's family.
"I want you to know that Keith's legacy will continue in us," he said.
"His kindness, his compassion, and his wonderful nature has rubbed off on us all and there will be a bit of Keith with us as we continue to serve the community."
Apart from cycling, Constable Smith also had a passion for IT and golf.
His colleague, Sergeant Joshua Hayes, said no matter whether it was the force or the cycling community, his friend was always loved and respected.
"He never played the bad cop, he couldn't," Sergeant Hayes said.
"He had compassion and empathy that all police should aspire to."
Sergeant Hayes recalled being permanently partnered with Constable Smith for two years as some of the "fondest" memories of his career.
"He didn't realise the profound effect he had on others," Sergeant Hayes said.
'Not everyone gets a mate like Keith Smith'
During the service, photos of Constable Smith in uniform, with his family, friends and his beloved pets were shown as his coffin sat covered by an Australian flag, flowers and his police peak cap.
Constable Smith's long-time friend Marcus Todman shared fond memories of the pair's 40 years of mateship.
Mr Todman shared how Constable Smith became an integral part of his family, and was loved by his brothers and sisters alike.
"You don't need to be blood to be considered a family member," he said.
Mr Todman spoke about growing up alongside Constable Smith in their teenage years, sweaty sessions at the gym, and nights out at the pub.
He said Constable Smith was the friend who made sure he always got home safe.
"He was the type of mate who always had your back," Mr Todman said.
"If something went wrong, Keith would be the first to show up and the last to leave."
Mr Todman said what had hit him hardest with the death of his friend was knowing he would never receive another text or phone call from his mate.
"But, people like Keith never really leave you," he said.
"He is in the way I carry myself with loyalty, he's in the way I treat people with kindness and calmness.
"I'm grateful, truly, because not everyone gets a mate like Keith Smith."
Words from former professional cyclist Richie Porte, who could not be there in person, spoke of Constable Smith's kind nature.
"He would literally give you the shirt off his own back and help anyone out in their time of need," Mr Porte said.
"When Keith came for a coffee, it was impossible to pay."
Grief 'deep and far-reaching'
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams described Constable Smith as an officer known for his quiet professionalism and calm resolve.
She said throughout his career, a number of members of the community had written letters in appreciation of Constable Smith's service.
More uniquely, on one occasion, a letter was written from an offender Constable Smith had arrested.
"The grief that has followed Keith's death has been deep and far-reaching," Commissioner Adams said.
"His legacy of courage, support, compassion and service will live on.
"Rest in peace Keith, with honour you served."
The streets outside the paranaple Centre were lined with emergency service personnel and members of the community as the region stood still to farewell Constable Smith on his final journey.
The funeral procession and guard of honour continued at Ulverstone as Constable Smith passed his police station for the last time.
