Today Tasmania Police will honour the memory of fallen officer, Constable Keith Smith.
On the 12-month anniversary of Keith’s tragic death, members of Tasmania Police, his family and loved ones, and the broader community will gather in Ulverstone – his home – for a memorial event.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said today’s memorial would bring together Keith’s family, friends and colleagues and give them a safe and supportive space to remember a man who gave so much to his community.
“Today marks one year since we lost Constable Keith Smith. And while a year has passed, for many of us, time has not softened the loss,” Commissioner Adams said.
“Over the past 12 months, I have heard countless stories about Keith – from colleagues who worked beside him, from members of the community he supported, and from families who remember a police officer who didn’t just do his job, but who took the extra time to listen, to reassure, and to make people feel seen.
“Over the past year, what has stood out most is something quieter, but deeply significant – the way Keith’s influence continues to shape how we serve, and how we care for our community every day.
“As Commissioner, I am committed to building a lasting legacy that reflects who Keith was and how he served – and one that will make his family proud.”
Commissioner Adams said that the Tasmania Police Keith Smith Community Policing Award is one such example.
“This award recognises an officer who demonstrates the same values Keith embodied – someone who polices with compassion, connection, and care,” she said.
“Recipients of this award, and the purpose behind it, will be proudly displayed at the Tasmania Police Academy – a daily reminder to our officers, including our recruits, of Keith’s service and the sacrifice he made for his community.”
Commissioner Adams said that the Tasmanian community has also come together to support the blood donation initiative – Team 2390 – a simple but powerful way to give back.
“Under Keith’s badge number, emergency services have united with the goal of helping save 2,390 lives – a reminder that even in loss, we can continue to make a difference,” she said.
“Today is not only a time to remember how we lost Keith. It is a time to remember how he lived… a 25-year career built not on recognition, but on reliability, on doing the job properly, and on treating people with dignity, even in the most difficult circumstances.
“For all of us here today, this anniversary is a difficult milestone, but it is also an important one.
“Because remembrance is not only about looking back – it is about what we carry forward.
“His legacy is for all of us to actively make a difference to those around us, and to demonstrate our shared values – of accountability, integrity, respect and support – every day, and in everything that we do.
“Our thoughts remain with Keith’s family and loved ones. With honour he served, and with honour his legacy will live on.”
