On 'sad and special day', police remember colleagues killed on freeway

There was no march down St Kilda Road nor a sweeping line of blue uniforms but the names of four more officers were added to the Victoria Police memorial on Tuesday morning, marking the single biggest loss of police life in the state’s history.

Those officers – Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King and constables Glen Humphris and Joshua Prestney – died on the Eastern Freeway on April 22.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton laying a wreath at the Victoria Police memorial.Credit: Eddie Jim

On Tuesday – National Police Remembrance Day – their names joined those of other officers who have died in the line of duty and are commemorated on the memorial.

Laying a wreath in the cold of a clear spring morning, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the names of 19 other police employees who died throughout the year would also be added to the 2020 honour role.

“It's a sad day, it's a special day, and it’s a very important day where police right across the nation come together to remember, to reflect and honour our fallen colleagues," Mr Patton said.

"This year has even more meaning, with the most significant loss of life we’ve ever experienced on April 22, where tragically four of our colleagues were killed on the Eastern Freeway in Kew.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton in front of the new memorial plaque for the four police officers. Credit: Eddie Jim

“It continues to highlight the risks of policing. There is no such thing as a routine traffic stop."

Mr Patton said the death of each police officer sends a tremor through the organisation, making 2020 a particularly tough time for the force.

He said police had taken a lot of comfort from the ongoing community support they’ve received throughout the year.

“I thank every one of my members right across Victoria for what they do,” Mr Patton said.

The traditional September 29 memorial service went online this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

There, families of the fallen paid touching tributes to those killed.

All had a common theme – a dedication, commitment and a love of the job.

At 10.44am, police officers in their stations and homes across the state paused for a minute's silence to honour all those who've made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Josh Prestney, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor and Constable Glen Humphris were killed in the Eastern Freeway collision.

"You have fought the good fight, life's race has been run, and peace your reward, for eternity begun," Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy read from the Police Ode.

"Rest in peace friend and colleague for the sun has now set."

Senior Police Chaplain Jim Jung, who led the service, said 170 Victoria Police officers have paid the ultimate price for their service throughout the history of Victoria Police, their names forever enshrined on the wall of remembrance at the police memorial.

"May we that remain keep their memory alive and surround their families with love and protection," he said.

Premier Daniel Andrews said he hoped adding the names of Leading Senior Constable Taylor, Senior Constable King, Constable Prestney and Constable Humphris would forever remind Victorians of their bravery and the ultimate sacrifice they made.

"As the Premier of the state, can I say to you that my thoughts and prayers will be with their families today and with every police member and every police family on what will be a very challenging Police Remembrance Day," he said.

"To live your life in the service and protection of others is an amazing thing. To lose your life doing that work is a terrible tragedy.

"Our thoughts and prayers and best wishes are with every police member and every police family today."

Mr Andrews reiterated that, pending the wishes of the families, there would be a public ceremony to remember the four officers once COVID-19 restrictions allowed for it – hopefully in early 2021.

"I'd be very confident that Victorians would come to a service like that and would participate just to say thank you to those families and to every police family."

The 23 names added to the honour role this year also include: Emily Cavanagh, David Phoebe, Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Haines, Sergeant Anthony McDonnell, Sergeant Paul Kirk, Graeme Bailey, Leading Senior Constable Geoffrey Lamb, retired chaplain Ken Agnew, Sergeant Shona O'Connor, Debbie Burnett, Detective Leading Senior Constable Tania Muller, Leading Senior Constable Michael Campbell, Senior Sergeant Trevor Lockwood, Senior Constable Glenn Paton, Lea Croydon, Leading Senior Constable Heath Martin, Barry Kotze, Leading Senior Constable John Miller, Amber Mackenzie.