Tributes for police officer
Community shaken by tragic death of an ‘absolute gentleman’
A Cairns policeman is being remembered as a “gentleman” and a “caring, compassionate” officer who had time for anyone after the community was rocked by his tragic death.
Members of the emergency services and the wider community paid tribute to Senior Constable Scott Duff, who was found dead on Monday after a massive week-long search in the southern suburbs.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and police will carry out a formal identification process.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Chief Superintendent Adam Gwin said Constable Duff was an “absolute gentleman”.
“He was a significant supporter of State Emergency Services and the fire services,” Mr Gwin said.
“We will certainly miss Scott.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Kylie and the family.”
The father of two was wellknown in the south of Cairns, having served for more than 20 years as an officer in the suburbs of Edmonton and Gordonvale.
Residents of Constable Duff’s beat described him as a man always willing to go the extra mile.
“I’ve dealt with a lot of police officers in my time and Scott was the most decent, compassionate, caring and thoughtful that I’ve come across,” said Gina, who preferred not to give her surname.
Constable Duff helped the Bentley Park woman with a personal family problem during his time as an officer.
“Nothing was too much for him. He made the time to make me feel better. (He was) a lovely, lovely man.”
Police from Townsville and the South East helped look for Constable Duff, who was last seen at a Slipper St address in Edmonton about noon on Monday, April 8.
Queensland Police Union Far North representative Dion Readman said Constable Duff was well-liked.
“He was an extremely well respected, much loved member of the police community,” Mr Readman said.
“Not just the police community, but the wider community. This is a big loss for everyone in the southern corridor.”
Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said police were continuing to provide support to Constable Duff’s family and colleagues.
“The Far North police community has been deeply impacted by this loss, particularly those who knew and worked with Scott during his many years as a highly regarded police officer,” Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said.
Constable Duff is survived by his wife Kylie and their two children.
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