Officers killed in Eastern Freeway tragedy honoured by family, friends, police force
The partner of one of the four police officers killed in the horror Eastern Freeway crash has told of his pain at losing his “soulmate”, while four funerals will be held in coming days to commemorate the officers' lives. Leave your message of support.
National
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News.
We want to commemorate these police officers who died, serving our state. Please scroll below to our comments section to leave your tribute to the officers and we will publish a selection in the Sunday Herald Sun . Please include your name and suburb.
Todd Robinson was cooking dinner waiting for his “soulmate” to come home from work when he saw on the news four police officers had died on the job.
His partner Glen Humphris was late and hadn’t responded to his multiple text messages.
“I knew something wasn’t right, no response was coming through,” Todd Robinson said.
“He was professional, he wouldn’t use his phone if he was on the job.”
Five police officers soon knocked on his Docklands door to tell him Con Humphris had died in the line of duty.
“I was expecting him to come home and he didn’t,” Mr Robinson said.
“He wore a uniform, but he was a person under that uniform. He came home to someone and on that day he didn’t, he’s gone.
“I’m still coming to terms that door isn’t going to open.
“My soulmate is gone.”
The pair had moved from NSW to Victoria for Mr Robinson’s work in the defence force in 2018 and had plenty to look forward to this year.
“Our life in Victoria was looking really good,” he said.
“We were starting to branch out and gain friends.”
They had recently skydived together, travelled to Cambodia and holidayed on a cruise ship.
Mr Robinson said they enjoyed an active lifestyle together, often camping, hiking and biking together on days off from the job.
They were planning a trip to the United States later in the year.
He said his partner, who had only graduated last year, “loved” his new job as a police officer.
“He loved helping people, being there if someone was in trouble,” Mr Robinson said.
“He respected everybody’s opinions. He was so proud to be a Victorian policeman.”
Mr Robinson said goodbye to Glen on Friday and will now begin the process of planning his funeral.
Asked how he wanted Glen to be remembered: “For the bubbly, outgoing, loving personality and nature that he had.”
Four small funerals will be held for the fallen Victoria Police officers, with a bigger state memorial to go ahead when it is safe to hold mass gatherings again.
The state’s top cop thanked Victorians on Friday for their “unbelievable outpouring of support” following the deaths of the officers on Wednesday night.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said he was “deeply touched” after more than 153,000 people left their condolences on the police Facebook page.
“It is heartening for all our police who are out with heavy hearts,” Mr Ashton said.
“We are still feeling that loss heavily. If there is a positive, it is the outpouring of support.”
He said many thousands of dollars had also been donated to the police legacy fund.
But he revealed he may be forced to watch the funerals of the four fallen officers on a computer screen due to social distancing requirements.
The funerals will likely happen in the next 10 days, with most to be held at the police academy.
“I don’t want any big delay; as soon as it is possible to do something significant, meaningful … we will get it done,” Mr Ashton said.
Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt said he had spoken to an officer who was brought to tears when a stranger bought her a coffee to say thank you for her work.
“They’re tears for the right reasons,” Sgt Gatt said.
Sgt Gatt said the blue lights shone on Melbourne’s landmarks, including the MCG and Flinders Street Station, had been heartwarming.
“We saw Melbourne light up in blue and we also saw a little flicker in the hearts of our members light up,” he said.
“That has helped us feel a little bit better.”
Victorians have been encouraged to tie blue ribbons on their letterboxes in a show of support for Victoria Police.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said what she had witnessed among Victorians was “extraordinary” in the past 24 hours amid the terrible tragedy.
“I love the Victorian community,” Ms Neville said.
“In the toughest of times, we have seen the Victorian community putting their arms around Victoria Police.”
Ms Neville said she spoke to a first responder on Friday morning who was on the Eastern Freeway crash site.
“That gave me comfort that those four brave officers were well cared for on Wednesday night,” she said.
Melbourne landmarks turned blue on Thursday night to honour the four police officers killed on the Eastern Freeway — Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney.
Landmark sites including Flinders St Station and the Melbourne Town Hall lit up.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison extended his “deepest condolences” to the families, friends and colleagues of the officers.
“This is a terrible time for these families and for the Victoria Police family,” he said.
“This is just an awful tragedy, a terribly dark day for that police force.”
“We stand with you as much as we possibly can.”
CONSTABLE JOSH PRESTNEY
Constable Josh Prestney’s father has penned an emotional online tribute to his beloved son, writing his “family is broken right now”.
“I have lost my boy, my best mate,” Andrew Prestney posted.
“My family is broken right now. A pain that just won’t go away.”
Mr Prestney said he urged Victorians to not focus on the negatives involved in this tragedy.
“Take positives out of it,” he said.
“I urge everyone to not focus on the negativity that surrounds this.
“Be assured the men and women in blue will always be there for you. Just give them a smile and a nod, that means the world to them.”
Mr Prestney thanked Victorians for their “overwhelming support” over the last three days.
“Thank you Josh for being our boy. I love you.”
Earlier this week, the 28-year-old’s grandmother Eliza Anderson told the Herald Sun he graduated from the academy last November and had just begun his new road policing role.
She said he was “beautiful” and “talented” and was “so proud to serve” the community.
“We were so proud of you. God bless Josh. Miss you forever,” she wrote on Facebook.
Josh was doing his placement with Nunawading Highway Patrol while on his Probationary Constable Extended Training Scheme at Boroondara.
A photo shows Josh smiling while in police uniform with his grandmother at his side.
Ms Anderson told the Herald Sun: “Josh was 28. He only graduated in November. He was just on a stint before being at Kew station. He had only started on this on Tuesday.”
Josh has been remembered as a much loved and respected member of his squad.
His brother First Constable Alexander Prestney presented Josh with his badge at his graduation ceremony in December last year which was a proud moment for their family.
He is survived by parents Andrew and Belinda.
Before joining the force, he completed a Bachelor in Creative Industries at the Australian College of the Arts.
In his spare time he loved to train for and compete in triathlons.
Away from work, he loved heavy metal music, the Collingwood Football Club and his cavoodle dog Lenny.
Collingwood footy club president Eddie McGuire has wrapped his arms around the family of constable Josh Prestney, a club member of 22 years.
Con Prestney was honoured in a screen tribute by the club last night.
McGuire also spoke with the fallen officer’s family to offer his support.
SENIOR CONSTABLE KEVIN KING
Senior Constable Kevin King was passionate about road policing but even more passionate about his Richmond Tigers.
The father of three had been with Victoria Police for six years and had just celebrated a year with the Nunawading Highway patrol.
Colleagues described the 50-year-old as “an older head with a lot of life experience” who always made good decisions.
He was well liked, well respected and had a great sense of humour.
Kevin is survived by his wife Sharron Mackenzie and their three children William, James and Henry.
He was remembered by relatives as a “true family man” who was “as selfless as they come”.
“You were a brilliant police officer, and an even better man,” nephew Jackson King posted to social media.
“I will forever cherish the memories we shared, especially going to the footy with the boys.
“You were always bubbly yet calm, and as selfless as they come.
“You were a true family man.”
This morning Police and PSO recruits, instructors and staff at the Victoria Police Academy formed up on the parade ground (for a minute’s silence) to pay their respect and honour their fallen friends and colleagues who so tragically died in the line of duty yesterday evening. pic.twitter.com/DKv9P7lI7y
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) April 23, 2020
Jackson King said his uncle passed away due to the “carelessness” of someone else on the road and begged for others to drive safely.
“He was killed while simply doing his job,” Jackson King said. “Road rules are in place for a reason.
“Police officers are there to protect our communities and to keep us safe, not to spoil our fun.
“Please people, drive safely and obey all road rules, because all it takes is one mistake, one careless act, and someone may lose their life, and a family is torn apart forever.”
Another nephew paid tribute to the beloved “Uncle Kevin” who was a passionate Tigers supporter.
“You were such a great human and you were always flowing with positivity,” nephew Lachie Fairweather posted to social media.
“It was always a good laugh to talk about the footy with you.”
Mr Fairweather said his uncle recently celebrated his 50th birthday surrounded by family.
LEADING SENIOR CONSTABLE LYNETTE TAYLOR
Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor had a distinguished 31-year career with Victoria Police, joining in January 1989 and graduating in May of that year.
Lynette was recognised by the Chief Commissioner for good work while performing duties at the Traffic Camera Office.
She had worked in the Road Policing (Drug and Alcohol Section) Operations Unit since 2011.
Lynette, 60, is survived by her husband, former Victoria Police officer Stuart Schultz, and their two sons, Nathan and Alexander.
Having travelled the world, Lynette is remembered for having a great sense of adventure and has instilled this spirit in her children.
An intrepid traveller, she had just celebrated her 60th birthday on a trip to New Zealand with her husband.
Lynette and Stuart had spent a lifetime adventuring together, with fond memories taking sailing trips on their yacht, the Sapphire Blue.
Lynette’s cousin Janet Fischlein had recently visited from the US and had wonderful memories drinking champagne and sharing laughs together.
“She was always smiling, she would go out of her way for anybody,” Ms Fischlein said. “She was a fun person, full of adventure, she loved to see the world.”
Lynette is being remembered as a “fabulous mother” to her sons, now in their mid-20s.
“They taught the boys more by seeing the world than most people would ever see in a lifetime,” Ms Fischlein said.
This included a year sailing around the South Pacific, where they were homeschooled.
She and husband Stuart are said to be “very compatible” and who “worked off each other so well”.
They were in the process of building a retirement home in Loch Sport in central Gippsland, which would support their passion for travel and fishing.
“The house is a skeleton but they had detailed plans about how they were going to spend retirement,” Ms Fischlein said.
“It was right on the water, they were going to dock the boat there.”
Always caring for others both in her professional and personal life, Lynette was the primary carer for her sister who had recently suffered a stroke.
Ms Fischlein said her death would have a ripple effect on the family and the community.
“She is so special, I am brokenhearted,” she said. “I just can’t believe she is gone.”
Others have paid tributes to Lynette, saying she had a “zest for life” and that she was a “wonderful woman”.
She had a reputation for going into bat for others and challenging decisions that she believed were unfair.
She had a great sense of humour and her colleagues will fondly remember seeing her smiling face every day.
CONSTABLE GLEN HUMPHRIS
NSW-born Constable Glen Humphris is being remembered as a caring and supportive colleague with a great sense of humour.
He began his policing career only last year after moving to Victoria from Newcastle with his partner, Todd.
He had worked as a carpenter and a personal trainer before moving to the force.
Glen had a passion for competing in triathlons and maintained a high level of fitness but also loved exploring Melbourne’s foodie scene.
In the police academy, he performed above average, narrowly missing out on the Highest Academic Achiever Award for his squad.
His squad mates said he genuinely wanted to help people, had a great sense of community and genuine empathy for both victims and offenders.
He was based at Collingwood for placement at the Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section.
This was part of his Probationary Constable Extended Training Scheme.
Glen was on Thursday described as “one of a kind”.
“Fly high Glen,” one tribute on social media said.
“That smile of yours will be dearly missed.
“Gone way too soon.”
Others said Glen had a “great sense of humour” and remembered him as a caring and supportive mate.
ASHTON: THEY ARE MATES AND FAMILY
Victoria’s top cop has paid an emotional tribute to the four police officers killed in the Eastern Freeway truck crash.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the officers had been undertaking their everyday duties in helping to keep the community safe when they were killed.
“It takes a special person to put on the blue uniform and turn up to work each day to respond to those in need,” Mr Ashton said.
“Committing one’s life to serving and protecting others is a truly unique attribute.
“They do it to protect. They do it to make a difference.
“They were our colleagues, our friends, our squad mates, our family.
“Their names will forever be remembered, their service honoured, and their memories celebrated.”
Mr Ashton said the relatives of the four victims would “never be the same” and his thoughts and prayers were with them all.
“No one goes to work expecting not to return home to their loved ones at the end of their shift,” he said.
“As many will attest, the everyday nature of police work can sometimes seem mundane, but this week’s events are a timely reminder of how quickly that can change.”
He said Victoria Police would ensure “every detail that led to this tragic outcome” was uncovered.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the community felt a deep sense of sadness and loss in the aftermath of Wednesday’s horrific crash.
“To live your life in the service of others is a deeply impressive thing,” he said. “To lose your life in the service and protection of others is a tragedy.
“They do an amazing job and we’ve been tragically reminded just how dangerous that job can be.”
Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said no one would be forgotten.
“They were all different people, different experiences and different lengths of service” he said. “But they shared one thing. They made a decision and took an oath to serve the Victorian community.”
Mr Gatt encouraged people to support the families through the non-profit Police Legacy organisation.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the deaths were devastating.
“We respect, admire and appreciate the members of Victoria Police and all the work they do each day to keep our community safe,” she said. “Condolences, support and love to colleagues, family and friends at this difficult and sad time.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrisaid it was a “terribly dark day” for Victoria Police, and thanked all serving officers.
“It is a dreadful and terrible reminder of the dangers that you (police) face every single day,” he said. “You step up every day, you stand between us and that danger every single day and we are deeply grateful for your service.”
FAMILIES WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN
Victoria’s police union has vowed to rally around the families of those who lost their lives in Wednesday night’s horror crash, with police stations across the state falling silent as the community comes to terms with the tragedy.
Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said no one would be forgotten as the community comes to terms with the loss.
“Police are particularly good at making sure we wrap our arms around those people,” he said.
“Not just for a couple of days but for a lifetime.
“What they effectively gain is 17,400 brothers and sisters.”
Mr Gatt encouraged members of the community to support family members through the non-profit Police Legacy organisation.
He said the impacts of the deaths had rippled to every corner of Victoria.
“Police stations are usually places that are quite jovial,” he said.
“The corridors where you would ordinarily bounce into people with a joke and a laugh are silent.
“The mood is sombre.”
Mr Gatt also condemned the release of horrific pictures of the crime scene online.
“Whoever it was you have no decency,” he said.
“You should hang your head in shame because not only have you added to the hurt of those family members but the hurt of all Victorians.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this was a terrible time for everyone, especially for the families of the victims and Victoria Police.
“This is a terrible time, more broadly, but for these families and for the Victorian police family and for police officers all over the country – and I know their families will be feeling the same way – this is just an awful tragedy,” he said.
“A terribly dark day for that police force and our thoughts, our prayers, our sympathies are there for all of them, but also our thanks to police officers serving all over the country. It is a dreadful and terrible reminder of the dangers that you face every single day.”
“You step up every day, you stand between us and that danger every single day and we are deeply grateful for your service, deeply grateful for your sacrifice and to those families who are knowing nothing other than terrible grief today, we stand with you as much as we possibly can and with hop that provides at least some comfort to you and we extend also to the Victorian government our appreciation for the work they are doing to support those families.”
ONLINE FUNDRAISER
A GoFundMe page set up to raise money for the families of the officers had raked in almost $75,000 on Friday night.
The fundraiser was established by senior constable Steven Pope.
He said the crash was a “brutal reminder” of the everyday risks faced by police and urged the public to dig deep.
“Whilst we mourn their loss, we grieve with their families and colleagues,” wrote Sen Con Pope.
“Whilst money can never replace a lost loved one, the financial stresses can take their toll.”
The fundraiser has set a goal of $2 million — $500,000 for the families of each of the officers.
>> DONATE TO THE FUNDRAISER HERE
READ MORE ON THE EASTERN FREEWAY TRAGEDY
LATEST DETAILS AS POLICE PROBE HOW THE HORROR CRASH UNFOLDED
ANDREW RULE: CRASH A REMINDER OF POLICE SACRIFICE
– With Shannon Deery and Tom Minear
* We want to commemorate these police officers who died, serving our state.
Please scroll below to our comments section to leave your tribute to the officers and we will publish a selection in the Sunday Herald Sun. Please include your name and suburb.
Originally published as Officers killed in Eastern Freeway tragedy honoured by family, friends, police force