Eastern Freeway crash: Manningham police pay tribute to Senior Constable Kevin King
Manningham’s top cop has thanked the community for its support and praised his colleagues’ resilience following the death of Senior Constable Kevin King, who he described as a “humble, intelligent and hardworking officer”.
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Manningham’s top cop says his officers have been overwhelmed by community support following the death of a former colleague in last week’s Eastern Freeway tragedy.
Nunawading highway patrol Senior Constable Kevin King was one of four officers killed in Wednesday’s tragic truck crash on the freeway near Kew.
Sen-Constable King, 50, started his police career as a constable at Doncaster police station in 2016 before he moved in early 2019.
His former supervisor, Sgt Mark Morgan, said Sen-Constable King came to Doncaster with a strong working background and developed a keen interest in road safety.
“That’s why he ended up where he did because he felt strongly about those sorts of things, and preventing drug and alcohol-affected driving,” Sgt Morgan said.
“He was an extremely caring person, a very humble, intelligent and a hardworking officer … and an incredibly fit bloke for 50, he certainly looked after himself.”
“All of us here at the station had so much respect for him … he was one of the genuinely nicest guys you’d ever meet.”
Manningham Inspector Craig Pearson said Doncaster officers had been touched by the tributes left by visitors since Wednesday’s tragic incident.
“It’s such a sad, sad time and the beautiful flowers and condolence cards have really lifted the spirits of all of the staff here,” he said.
“Everyone is just so humbled by the support from the community, it makes us feel totally valued.
“Kevin is fondly remembered by his friends and supervisors; they all talk about how considered and what a lovely fellow he was, and he is sadly missed.”
Insp Pearson said he was proud of how his officers at Doncaster and Warrandyte stations have continued to serve the community in such a challenging time.
“We’re all affected in some way and deal with it in various ways, and everyone has got around each other and supported one another,” he said.
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“How do you describe a group of people who are dealing with grief and still serving the community through this, that’s what I marvel at.”
Nunawading highway patrol Sergeant Paul Egan left a touching tribute to Sen-Constable King on the Eyewatch – Manningham Police Service Area Facebook page on Friday afternoon.
“Kev, know that you will be sorely missed by your colleagues, everybody loved having you on you on shift,” Sgt Egan wrote.
“Since you have arrived you have impressed us all with your work ethic and your common sense attitude towards the world.
“Your love for your partner and kids was obvious to everyone and showed what a good heart you had.
“For the last time now my friend, Nunawading 615, Code 2 and off.”
Sen-Constable King’s funeral is likely to be held at the Victoria Police academy in Glen Waverley later this week.