Lucindale police officer Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, who was killed during a shooting incident at Senior, has been described as a “perfect small town country copper”.

Naracoorte-Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross said all Sgt Doig ever wanted from his role in the community was for everybody to get home safely.

“Jason was a friend. We went fishing and hunting together. He loved to cook what he caught, he loved to show off his expertise in the kitchen and would host his colleagues from time to time,” Mr Ross shared.

He said Sgt Doig was ever present in his role as a policeman during the Coles and Blackford fires, which ripped through the community in recent years.

“…and he will be fondly remembered as a gentle, caring, and kind individual who always put his community first, whatever the cost.

“Jason will be missed by his Lucindale community, and he will be remembered fondly as one of us.”

The fatal shooting incident took place on November 16 on Senior Road, which is towards the north of the peaceful town.

While the incident has left the Bordertown community in shock, the South Australia Police (SAPOL) confirmed that while the incident was unfortunate, there was “no further threat to the community”.

SAPOL said during the incident, two police officers and a suspect were shot at a property on Senior Road.

Sgt Doig died at the scene, while Sgt Michael Hutchinson sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

“About 11.20pm on Thursday, November 16, police attended a property on Senior Road near the Victorian border to investigate an earlier incident,” SAPOL said.

“Attending police were confronted by an armed suspect, and a shooting incident occurred.”

It said one of the responding police officers sustained fatal gunshot wounds and, despite the efforts of his colleagues and paramedics, sadly died at the scene.

“A second police officer received non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and has been transported to Adelaide for treatment.

“A third police officer at the scene was not physically injured and rendered assistance.”

According to SAPOL, the alleged suspect was also shot by police and sustained serious life-threatening injuries.

“He was treated at the scene and has since been flown to Adelaide, where he remains under police guard.”

The Commissioner of Police, Grant Stevens, said “this is a devastating loss, and our condolences are with the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues during this extremely difficult time”.

“No one goes to work expecting not to return home, and this is a very sad day for the South Australia Police.”

“It’s difficult to appreciate the impact an incident like this has on Jason’s immediate work colleagues and the wider police family, including those across Australia.”

“I would like to pay tribute to all police and first responders who assisted at the scene and are continuing to respond,” said Commissioner Stevens.

In his tribute, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said the incident was “an absolute tragedy”.

“I knew Jason personally. He was a well-respected and diligent police officer who had been based in Lucindale for many years,” Mr McBride said.

“Jason was heavily involved in the community and known by so many for his commitment to his profession.

“He wore his uniform with pride. I know locals in Lucindale will be both very shocked and upset to hear this news.”

He said the incident will have a huge impact on the entire South East.

“Police officers in regional areas build close relationships with a wide cross-section of the community, due simply to the nature of their role in policing across many townships.

“I also know that the events that unfolded at Senior will have heavily impacted Constable Rebekah Cass, who was also at the scene. My thoughts go out to her and her SAPOL colleagues at this extremely difficult time.

“Many people will require support following this tragedy, and I urge anyone who needs assistance in their grief to reach out and seek help if required.

“No one goes to work expecting not to come home. My thoughts are with the families of all those involved,” Mr McBride said.

Member of Barker, Tony Pasin, said the shooting incident has left him numb.

“The reality that such an event can, and indeed has, occurred in the South East of South Australia is a difficult one to come to terms with,” Mr Pasin said.

“Today (November 16) serves as a tragic reminder for all of us of the risks police and first responders otherwise face every day as they serve and protect our community.

“They put their lives on the line for us, and as a society, we are forever grateful for their service.

“I urge everyone in the community to look after each other during this time of grief.”

Police investigations into the incident continue.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.