Australian Federal Police National Headquarters in Canberra will be bathed in blue from this evening (Thursday, 30 April) to honour the four Victorian and one South Australian police officers who tragically lost their lives last week.
The Edmund Barton Building will be illuminated each night, from tonight until dawn on Tuesday 5 May, to commemorate the lives of the fallen officers, coinciding with their respective funerals.
On Wednesday 22 April, Victoria Police suffered the biggest single loss of life in its history, after four police officers were tragically killed while on duty at a vehicle stop on Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway. Just days later, a South Australian officer died in a road crash in Adelaide on Saturday, 25 April.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM said the AFP stands in solidarity with Victoria and South Australia Police, dealing with these sudden and shocking losses in two separate incidents last week.
“On behalf of the AFP, I offer our deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
Those killed were Victorian officers; Constable Glen Humphris, Constable Josh Prestney, Senior Constable Kevin King and Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor as well as South Australian Detective Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan APM.
“The heartbreaking loss of so many police lives has been felt throughout the entire AFP family and the wider Australian community. These tragic events serve to remind us about the dedication and bravery shown by all police, and the sacrifice they make every day to serve and protect our community,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
“Our hearts are heavy – these officers were brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, grandchildren and in some cases parents.
“By illuminating our national headquarters in blue, we honour their lives and their service – and ultimate sacrifice. We pay testament to the memory of these fallen officers and show admiration for their bravery. They will live on forever in the hearts of our policing family.”
In solidarity, other Canberra landmarks and locations will be illuminated including the AFP’s Majura forensics facility, the National Police Memorial, the adjacent Kings Avenue Bridge and Old Parliament House.
*Note: Images of the illuminated national headquarters will be available at a later stage.
