Blackest day turns to blue night
I’m a mother of a police officer aged 30, his name is also Josh, and this is what we as parents fear every day as our children go to work in the police force. I’m absolutely devastated by this news and have been teary all day thinking about those four families whose lives have changed forever. My heart is with them all right now and also with every police officer out there protecting all of us as we go about our daily lives. Karen Foster Words will never say enough. As the father of a current Victorian police officer, I find it impossible to comprehend what the four families are going through right now. Every day our brave men and women put everything on the line to look after our community.
Following the tragic events on 22 April 2020, Victoria Police has been inundated with messages and gestures of support. The grief was not governed by state or even national borders, as people from across the world passed on their condolences to the colleagues, friends and families of Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Josh Prestney and Constable Glen Humphris. Then there were cities bathed in blue, as landmarks were lit in police colours as sign of respect to the fallen four, turning Victoria Police’s blackest day into a night of blue reflection. Finally, there were the fundraisers that involved police and community members alike raising money for the Victoria Police Legacy fund set up to assist all four families. Some ran, walked or rode set distances, others found different ways to raise money. No matter how they did it, more than $2,000,000 has been donated so far. Victoria Police thanks you all for your kindness and support during this difficult time.
*Tributes from the Victoria Police In Memoriam Facebook page or direct mail. Search ‘Victoria Police In Memoriam’ on Facebook for more information and tributes. Photography: Stephanie Clark, Grant Condon and Herald Sun
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POLICE LIFE | WINTER 2020
On behalf of the entire team at Pride in Diversity, and our members, we send our sincere sympathy and admiration to the police, upon hearing the news of this week’s tragedy. The loss of such outstanding professionals in the line of duty must be an extraordinary burden for the entire police community. Knowing as we do, how inclusive and engaged the police family is, the hole left will take a very long time to fill. We just hope great memories, combined with the love of colleagues help a little, the families and teammates affected. The nation is mourning with you. Mark Latchford, Associate Director, Pride in Diversity
This tragedy shows how fragile life is. Hoping that you take some comfort in knowing they were out doing the job they loved. May they rest in peace.
As a daughter of two members of the Victoria Police, I am whole-heartedly, so very sorry for the families of the officers who never returned home.
Steve Murphy
Being a family member of police officers not only makes you proud that they serve to make our communities safer, but also leaves you feeling very anxious at the daily risk they face. Countless times have I had nightmares that such a tragedy would happen.
As Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) I want to express our deep shock and sadness at the deaths of four Victoria Police officers last night. Victoria Police officers are always the first responders at child protection and family violence events, to say nothing of all the other incidents they attend to. Many VACCA staff work regularly alongside Victoria Police and have the greatest respect for their work and dedication to duty. The police are a big part of our Aboriginal community lives whether it be in marking significant days or standing with us to address injustice and inequity. Last night's tragedy should have been a routine in the work lives of the police involved, yet it turned into tragedy. We pay our most sincere respects and condolences to the officers who passed away and to their respective families and friends. Our thoughts are also with every other police officer today, who will no doubt be feeling this loss. Muriel Bamblett
Hence, upon hearing this absolutely devastating news, I felt upset to the point as if I had just lost a family member of my own. So I cannot even begin to imagine what those closely affected would be feeling. To the families, close and extended, and the friends and colleagues of those involved in this tragedy, I offer my uttermost, deepest condolences. And to the officers lost, your country thanks you endlessly for your services. You will not be forgotten. Chloe Maree
