Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney all died in the deadliest incident in the force’s history on April 22 last year.
The family said it still recalled the horrors of the night.
“The night we lost Josh our world fell apart,” the officer’s parents Andrew and Belinda Prestney said.
“It has now been one year, but the memory of how that night unfolded is as clear and as painful as if it happened yesterday.
“As hard it was to lose Josh, harder still has been learning to live without him.
“We will never get used to this, get over this or move on from this.
“If we are lucky, time may soften the edges of our grief, but the loss of our son and brother has left scars that will never completely heal.”
Constable Prestney’s parents described how the sound of his guitars had “fallen silent” in their family home, and how they grappled with his loss every day.
“The music he loved is no longer pumped around the house and there is no more witty banter across the dinner table or cheering at the footy,” they said.
“We all miss him so very much.
“Josh’s story was not finished, there was still so much more to do.”
The 28-year-old was a triathlon enthusiast and a passionate Collingwood supporter.
It was only his second day on the job at Boroondara Police Station when the freeway tragedy occurred.
“Our son was generous, loving, discerning and honest, with a deep love of family and for his partner Stacey,” his parents said.
“He was eager to excel in his new career with Victoria Police and we would like to acknowledge the members he trained with and worked with, who are struggling with his loss.”
The Prestneys said they were “comforted” by the love and support they have received from family, friends, colleagues and strangers.
“Josh, your life was a blessing. Your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words. And missed beyond measure.”
“Today marks 12 months since I wished Glen a great day and hugged him goodbye as I left for work, not knowing that would be the last time we would ever see each other,” Mr Robinson said in his tribute.
“Each and every day, police officers put their lives on the line for our community, and it is the worst fear of every partner and family member to receive that knock on the door.
“This was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences of my life.”
Constable Humphris was completing his Probationary Constable Extended Training Scheme (PCET) at Collingwood Police Station and undertaking a placement in the Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section.
He was born and raised in Gosford on the NSW Central Coast.
Mr Robinson said he would forever remember his partner as the “smiling, bubbly and beautiful man that he was” and for the love they shared.
“He touched many people in his life, and many people cared for him,” he said.
“I want these stories and memories of joy and optimism to be forever remembered.”
Melbourne landmarks will again turn blue tomorrow night to mark the first anniversary of the Eastern Freeway crash that claimed the lives of the four police officers.
Acting Premier James Merlino confirmed the Bolte Bridge, Parliament House and other government buildings across Melbourne CBD would be bathed in blue.
“A number of buildings have been identified that will light up in blue to honour those four police officers, their families and Victoria Police across the board,” he said.
This content first appear on 9news