Flags will be at half-mast today as the NSW Police Force mourn the loss of colleague, the late Senior Constable Kelly Ann Foster.
Senior Constable Foster, 39, died following a canyoning incident at Mount Wilson on Saturday, January 2.
Her funeral will take place in Lithgow today.
She was a former student of Grays Point Public School and Port Hacking High School.
"Kelly graduated in 1999 and according to her peers was very smart, kind, had an easy going nature and always put others before herself," a statement on the Port Hacking High School Facebook site said.
Snr Cst Foster attested on 27 August 2010, after which she commenced duties as a probationary constable at Newtown Local Area Command. She was confirmed as a constable in May 2012.
In May 2014, Snr Cst Foster joined the State Crime Command working as an intel analyst until May 2020. She was most recently working at Chifley Police District, stationed at Lithgow Police Station.
NSW Police Acting Commissioner Mal Lanyon extended his condolences to the Foster family on behalf of the NSW Police Force.
"It's a very sad time for the NSW Police Force and Kelly's death is a loss to the whole community," Acting Commissioner Lanyon said.
"To hear reports that Kelly was trying to help another woman when she died demonstrates her commitment to the community she served and the ability to put the needs of others before her own.
"Kelly was a highly regarded and dedicated officer who will be sorely missed by colleagues across the force.
"Her policing career was put on hold when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, however, her strength to survive this and return to work is another testament to her strength and resilience.
"Above all, Kelly was a kind and loving daughter, sister and partner."
