Mourners have gathered to farewell slain police officer Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig at a touching police funeral in South Australia.
Hundreds of community members gathered at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Monday to commemorate Sergeant Doig, who was killed during an alleged shootout on November 16.
Sergeant Doig, 53, was one of the three officers called to an isolated rural property in Senior, about 15km north of Bordertown in the state’s southeast, following reports an animal had been shot.
After approaching the property, he was allegedly shot and fatally wounded and was confirmed dead at the scene.
Two weeks ago, Premier Peter Malinauskas said the family had accepted a police funeral to honour his life and service to the South Australian community.
Sergeant Doig’s brother Brett shared an emotional, heartfelt tribute with the crowd as he fought back tears.
“Not done yet. It’s a long list, a very broad list, of incredible achievements, of unmissable experiences, of unbreakable lifelong connections through friendship and community, of selfless dedication to his colleagues, community, friends and family,” he said.
“But at 53 Jason was not done yet.”
“Jason has been robbed of his future. We all feel robbed of Jason’s future.
“He certainly lived life to the full, he embraced it, he never backed away from a challenge or a new adventure. We are very blessed to have been brought along with him on his ride.
“Love is stronger than death.”
Fellow family members also shared memories of Sergeant Doig as a much-loved brother, friend, cousin, uncle and son.
Stories touched on his generosity, selflessness and good nature.
Colleagues from South Australia Police spoke tearfully about his commitment to the community as a “country cop” who had given his life to helping others.
SA Police Acting Commissioner Linda Williams shared a touching eulogy on behalf of the force and touched on Sergeant Doig’s years of service.
“Today we honour one of our people who paid the ultimate sacrifice for his dedication to our noble profession,” she said.
“The loss of a police officer naturally leads to a profound outpouring of grief, and this is heightened when the police officer is the bedrock of that community.
“Country policing seemed to appeal to his generous nature as he was always ready to assist someone and put others before himself.
“It was this team-first attitude and willingness to travel to assist members that saw him attend the incident in Senior on that fateful night in November.
“Today we farewell Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig who will forever remain our colleague and friend. May he live on in the memory of all those who are fortunate to have known him.”
Superintendent Campbell Hill finished the service with a poem titled Hero’s Welcome on behalf of the two officers Sergeant Doig was with on the night he died.
Amazing Grace was performed before the funeral procession departed.
How tragedy unfolded
On the day of the incident, three officers attended the Senior Rd property on what has been described as a “perfectly routine day in the job”.
The 26-year-old occupant, Jaydn Stimson, allegedly opened fire at police when confronted.
He was then allegedly shot by police, receiving life-threatening injuries.
He has appeared in court from his hospital bed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital charged with murder and attempted murder.
Sergeant Michael Hutchinson also suffered gunshot wounds during the shooting, while Constable Rebekah Cass was uninjured and desperately tried to provide aid to both her injured colleagues.
Sergeant Doig’s death is the first time a serving police officer has died in the line of duty in the state in more than 30 years.
His name will be added to the 823 names on the National Police Memorial in Canberra.
He served in the police force for 34 years and South Australia’s Limestone Coast community for more than a decade, having taken up the Lucindale post in 2011.