Victoria Police will today pause and pay tribute to four fallen colleagues at a ceremony to mark the first anniversary since the officers were tragically killed in a road incident on Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway.
Families, friends and colleagues will come together at the Victoria Police Academy chapel to remember the lives of Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Josh Prestney and Constable Glen Humphris who were killed in the line of duty on 22 April 2020.
The service will include the laying of four wreaths for each police officer killed and a one-minute silence.
Local services and vigils will also be held across the state with a message to be broadcast through police radios at the conclusion of the service and at 5.36pm when the incident occurred, requesting a minute’s silence.
Police stations will also fly the Australian National Flag at half-mast from dawn until the memorial service concludes.
Landmarks across the state, including the Victoria Police Academy, will be lit in blue that evening, signifying support for the family, friends and colleagues of the police officers.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton will join family members to lay wreaths in honour of the officers at the Police Memorial Wall on Thursday morning.
Quotes attributable to Chief Commissioner Shane Patton
“Today we come together to remember our fallen colleagues who were killed while carrying out their duties on this day last year.”
“The deaths of four of our own continues to be felt right across the police force.”
“We know that this date, and the days and weeks surrounding it, will be a particularly difficult time for many.”
“The deaths of our colleagues struck at the very core of Victoria Police and brought home the sobering reality of the inherent dangers that come with police work.”
“Today we remember the lives of Lynette, Kevin, Josh and, Glenn, who gave their lives while protecting others. We think of their families, as we mourn alongside them.”
