On the evening of 22 April 2020, four Victoria Police officers, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Josh Prestney and Constable Glen Humphris, were killed in the line of duty in a road incident on the Eastern Freeway, Kew. This edition of Police Life is dedicated to the memories of the four officers whose lives were lost. The collective thoughts of Victoria Police remain with the families, friends and colleagues of our fallen comrades. While their service to the community is now finished, Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Josh Prestney and Constable Glen Humphris will always be remembered and will forever be at the heart of Victoria Police.
It’s not about the badge or the uniform we wear, We do it for you and because we care. We leave our families to protect your home and you, And we do it because we care about what we do. We do it to serve you and protect you as best as we can, We do it even knowing what risks are at hand. Our uniforms aren’t strong and they’re not made of steel, Nor are the emotions of how we can feel. We are human, we feel pain just like you do, We see so many things that you wouldn’t want to. But tonight we’ve all seen it and felt such a grief, Of losing four lives in circumstances that beggar belief. Tragically taken while they protected us all, Tragically taken and can protect us no more. The tears are now flowing and our hearts are aching, For the loss we are feeling and how our hearts are breaking. Tonight we cry at the loss of family and friends, And the tears will never dry and our thoughts will never end. You will live in our hearts and thoughts in every way, Of the risks that you took and the price that you paid. Poem by Leading Senior Constable Shane Hafner written on the night of the tragic incident.
Photography: The Age, Herald Sun, AAP and Victoria Police
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POLICE LIFE | WINTER 2020
