A West Australian police officer killed on duty is being laid to rest as his loved ones remember a larger-than-life character full of fun and joy.
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A police funeral is under way for Constable Anthony Woods, 28, who was allegedly run over by a man attempting to avoid arrest in June.
About 2000 officers and dignitaries stood in silence on Thursday as a bagpiper led the procession into a function room at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, WA Governor Chris Dawson, Police Commissioner Col Blanch and WA Premier Roger Cook were among the guests.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who paid tribute to Const Woods in a statement as a "young man cruelly robbed of his future", was represented by local Labor MP Zaneta Mascarenhas.
Police chaplain Paul Trimble paid tribute to the "larger-than-life" character who was full of fun and joy, but always treated others with respect.
A firm but fair officer, he died doing what he loved best.
"Anthony was in his element and wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else in that moment," Mr Timble told the service.
The chaplain spoke of a man who Const Woods had previously arrested leaving a condolence card at the station when he attended to sign in for his bail conditions, describing the officer as "a gentleman".
Const Woods' older brother Nathan paid an emotional tribute, promising to live life to the fullest in his sibling's honour.
"I'll do my best to pick up where you left off. You've left a legacy and a massive inprint on this world," he said.
"I love you bro and always will ... until next time, mate."
The service will conclude with a police honour guard.
A few dozen members of the public gathered in gloomy weather to watch a live-stream of proceedings outside the stadium.
Mr Albanese said all Australians joined the officer's family in mourning.
"He was a young man cruelly robbed of his future ... an Australian who went to work and never came home," he said.
"Like all police officers, Constable Woods knew the risks his job entailed, yet he bravely performed his duties, putting himself in harm's way so others could be safe."
Mr Albanese said the hearts of all Australians went out to Const Woods' wife, Emily, and his family.
"We grieve with his friends, his workmates and the broader police community, whose every member feels each loss so very deeply," he said.
Const Woods had just passed his probation with the force before he was killed, having volunteered at the PCYC before joining the police cadets in 2019 and moving into the recruit squad in 2021.
His wife Emily has previously remembered him as a devoted husband and loving son, brother and uncle "who was taken from this Earth far too soon".
"Anthony will be remembered as a funny, hardworking man who loved the West Coast Eagles and mucking around with his mates," she said in a statement.
"He brought light and laughter to every situation, and his wicked sense of humour is irreplaceable."
Const Woods' family was shattered by his death.
"Our pain at this time is indescribable, and we take comfort in the outpouring of love from the community," the family said in a statement.
"We ask that you keep Anthony's memory alive by telling stories of all of your good times with him."
Mr Blanch said Const Woods was a brave and dedicated police officer and it was a sad time for the "blue family".
"You did your duty mate, we will remember," he said at a press conference to announce the death.
Flags flew at half-mast at police stations across the state soon after, and Const Woods was honoured in federal parliament as someone who exemplified the values of the force.
Reagan Ainsley Chown, 23, has been charged with Const Woods' murder after a vehicle with stolen number plates that he was allegedly driving hit and dragged the young officer underneath.
Chown is scheduled to next appear in court on August 30.
Australian Associated Press
