Saluting an officer and son

Luke and John Brodie pay their respects to their brother and son, Narre Warren Senior Constable Dean Brodie, who was killed in 2000. 23132 Picture: Stewart Chambers

By Callan Date
THE family of a Narre Warren police officer killed in 2000 has paid tribute to him on National Police Remembrance Day.
John and Luke Brodie gathered at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery’s Police Memorial on Monday to remember Senior Constable Dean Brodie.
The 28-year-old died after he was involved in a motorcycle crash in Alexandra. He was off-duty and riding with fellow Narre Warren police officers when he was killed.
Dean’s father, John Brodie, said he had attended Victoria Police’s End of Day Reflection every year since his son’s death.
“I was so proud of him,” he said.
“The service is a bit of a healing process for us. It all helps. I find it a very moving tribute.”
Dean was one of the first police officers to be buried at a lawn grave area, built next to the police memorial, for police members killed while off-duty.
“The day gives us a sense of belonging. It helps being part of it all where the police chaplain and other local members attend.”
Police chaplain Reverend Dr John Broughton and Police Acting Superintendent Tom Rawlings gave the first and second reflections.
Mr Brodie said it was also an important time for his other son Luke.
“Luke was only 13 at the time of Dean’s death. It is also bit of a healing process for him.
“Something like this (ceremony) is a tribute for my son who died.”
The annual event at Springvale coincides with Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Day.
Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said the day meant a lot for many Victorians.
“National Police Remembrance Day is a very important occasion as it offers police and the community the opportunity to come together and honour the dedication of our state’s police officers, who work so diligently to make our society safer and reduce crime,” Ms Nixon said.