THE police community is rallying around the officer involved in a fatal shooting in Kelso on Wednesday night as thoughts also go out to the dead mans family.
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Ian Fackender, 47, has been remembered as a loving father, brother, uncle and son after he was shot following a confrontation with police.
A critical incident investigation is under way to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but Western Region commander Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said he was confident police had acted appropriately.
He said Mr Fackenders family remained in close contact with police and the officers involved were being closely supported.
Some of them are doing better than others but weve put a welfare process around them and the other police here in Bathurst and the wider police family will pull around them and do as much as we possibly can to support them through this tough time, he said.
Its always tough and it often takes so long to reach a conclusion in the coroners court so these things go on for some significant time for the police involved.
But we mustnt forget the family of the deceased man as well. Theres family out there this morning that are grieving the loss of a son, a brother, a relative. Our thoughts are certainly with those people as well.
Mark Fackender posted on Facebook on Thursday that his brother had been taken from us far too soon.
Lost my dear brother yesterday to unfortunate circumstances, he posted.
Love you always my bro, gone but never forgotten.
Mr Fackenders aunt Pam Aleckson wrote: "My heart is breaking for our beautiful young man. I will hold many cherished memories of a special and kind hearted person will miss you nephew.
Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said early indications suggested police had been justified in using their firearms in this instance.
From what Ive seen at the moment, its one of those situations that police sadly sometimes find themselves in, he said.
From what Ive seen thus far I believe their actions are in many ways commendable and justified.
He would not been drawn on whether Mr Fackender was suffering mental health issues prior to the shooting.
We need to find out the mans history and we will be making all those inquiries with the appropriate agencies, Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.
