THE support of the community has been a source of comfort for local police, as they deal with the loss of one of their officers.
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Earlier this month, Senior Constable Kelly Foster, attached to Lithgow Police Station, within Chifley Police District, died in a tragic canyoning incident in the Blue Mountains.
Senior Const Foster died after going to the aid of a fellow canyoner who was swept into a whirlpool in the Wollangambe River, and disappeared underneath the water.
Senior Const Foster went straight to her aid, but sadly, both women drowned.
Inspector Cogdell said Kelly's passing had been difficult for all her knew her, but said the support shown to all his officers by the community has been "an enormous help during such a sad time."
"We have received so many emails and best wishes from the community, and that's both at Bathurst and Lithgow stations.
"It absolutely makes a difference.
"In Lithgow (on the day of Kelly's funeral), the fact everyone hung up blue balloons, showing solidarity in support of police, has absolutely helped police in processing their grief.
"For us it just reinforces the fact the community supports police, and the work that we do, especially in a time of crisis, when we need the support of people.
"I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone in the the district who have shown police support, so publicly, because it has meant so much to us," he said.
Inspector Cogdell has previously paid tribute to the late Sen Const Foster, saying she wanted nothing more than to serve her community, and in doing so, paid the ultimate sacrifice.
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He said she was remembered as a dedicated officer and friend and was held in the highest regard by all.
Inspector Cogdell said Sen Const Foster was working as an intelligence analyst in the State Crime Command but wanted to get back on the front line, working in the community to help reduce crime.
He said she wanted to do what every officer wants to do - "to help people".
He said this was evident in her final act, when her 24-year-old companion was in need of assistance after being caught in a whirlpool.
"She went to her companion's aid ... trying to save her," he said.
"It's what police do."
