Eastern Fwy tragedy victim’s brother to rejoin police force
The brother of Josh Prestney — one of four police officers killed in the Eastern Freeway tragedy — has revealed he wants to return to Victoria Police’s Highway Patrol division in honour of his late brother.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The brother of Josh Prestney, one of four police officers killed in the Eastern Freeway tragedy, has revealed how he is committed to returning to the beat.
Alex Prestney, a police officer who gave his younger brother Josh his police badge upon graduating, has told 3AW’s Neil Mitchell he wants to return to work and join Victoria Police’s Highway Patrol division.
Constable Josh Prestney was new to the force when he was with Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King and Constable Glen Humphris on the Eastern Fwy when they lost their lives.
The chain of events that led to the tragedy began when Richard Pusey was pulled over after allegedly speeding at 149Kmh on April 22.
As they processed Pusey and began impounding his Porsche, a truck veered into the emergency lane where the officers were working and crashed into the scene, killing all four officers.
Older brother Alex said he was committed to returning to his duties and wanted to join road policing.
“I don’t want to let the blue team down,” he said.
“I don’t want to let Josh down.”
He said that his family had found strength in each other and had felt the community’s support.
“It’s an event that should never have happened,” he said.
Anger, however, has not been part of the emotions he has felt, he revealed.
“I’ve never felt anger,” he said.
“I don’t know if that is coming. What good is anger?
“Unfortunately we lost Josh. We lost four of our best.
“The best thing we can do is to remember them every single day.
“Not a day goes by without thinking of him.”
Officer Prestney, who shares his brother’s love of music, quoted his Instagram motto: Peace, love and heavy metal.”
He said he had taken comfort in talking to people about the tragedy.
“You know you have so many arms wrapped around you,” he said.
“You want to be able to tell people how tragedy can affect you.”
MORE NEWS
471 CORONAVIRUS CASES, EIGHT DEATHS CONFIRMED
POLICE CALLED IN TO PROBE ST BASIL’S DEATH