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AAP
AAP
Ethan James

'Kind, devoted': fallen officer remembered one year on

Family, friends, colleagues and the community are remembering beloved Constable Keith Smith. (HANDOUT/TASMANIA POLICE)

It's been 12 months since beloved police officer Keith Smith was fatally shot in the line of duty but stories about his dedication and compassion are still being told.

Family, friends, colleagues and the community gathered at Ulverstone on Tasmania's northwest coast on Tuesday to remember the constable.

The 57-year-old was serving a repossession notice at a rural property on June 16, 2025 when he was murdered by homeowner Leigh Geoffrey Sushames.

KEITH SMITH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE
Keith Smith "didn't just do his job, he took extra time to listen … and make people feel seen". (HANDOUT/TASMANIA POLICE)

"For many of us, time has not softened that loss," Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams told the service.

"Keith was not just a colleague. He was steady, kind and quietly impactful in the lives of so many.

"Over the past 12 months I have heard countless stories about Keith. He didn't just do his job, he took extra time to listen … and make people feel seen."

Const Smith was devoted to his family who were the centre of his world, a message read on behalf of his wife Janaha and daughter Ava said.

His passion for cycling, computers and ice cream and love of a catch-up over a hot brew were remembered.

"Ava idolised him as he did her," the service was told.

Mourners attend the funeral of Constable Keith Anthony Smith
In his 25-year police career he made a huge impact on the community. (Sarah Rhodes/AAP PHOTOS)

Const Smith would often check-in on people years after first helping them, Inspector Andrew Hanson said.

Early in his policing career of 25 years, Const Smith virtually stayed by the side of a colleague as they recovered from a car crash.

He also went out of his way to help a person who had a chequered history with police get to hospital when they were unable to get there themselves.

"There was nothing too small or too big for him to help, through the good times and the bad," Insp Hanson said.

More than 1000 messages of support received by police have been compiled in books, one of which will be displayed at Ulverstone Police Station where Const Smith worked.

Police vehicles block traffic along Allison Rd in North Motton
A community policing award and a laneway near the police station now carry his name. (Ange Nicolle/AAP PHOTOS)

A laneway near the station will be renamed "Keith Smith Lane".

"Keith's name is now etched into history but how he should be remembered is simple. Not for how he died but for how he lived," a message from his family said.

"He was kind, he was caring, he was funny, he was generous. Most importantly, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend."

Const Smith was farewelled at a funeral with full ceremonial honours 11 days after he died, while a community policing award now carries his name.

Sushames pleaded guilty to murder in January and will be sentenced on June 26.

He had fallen behind on mortgage repayments and was aware police were coming to his property on that day to follow through on a repossession order.

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636

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