The deaths of Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney on April 22 last year mark the deadliest day in Victoria Police history.
Chief Police Commissioner Shane Patton will join the families of the fallen officers for a service at the Victoria Police Academy chapel to lay four wreaths and take part in a one-minute silence.
Commissioner Patton said the deaths of the four officers had rocked the police force to its “very core”.
“Today we come together to remember our fallen colleagues who were killed while carrying out their duties on this day last year,” he said.
“We remember the lives of Lynette, Kevin, Josh and, Glenn, who gave their lives while protecting others. We think of their families, as we mourn alongside them.
“The deaths of our colleagues struck at the very core of Victoria Police and brought home the sobering reality of the inherent dangers that come with police work.”
Local services and vigils will take place across the state and the police community will pause for a minute’s silence at 5.36pm – when the incident occurred.
A tribute message will be broadcast through police radios and stations will fly the Australian Flag at half-mast from dawn until the conclusion of the memorial service.
Melbourne landmarks, including the Victoria Police Academy, will also be bathed in blue tonight to signify support to the loved ones of the four fallen officers.
“We know that this date, and the days and weeks surrounding it, will be a particularly difficult time for many,” Commissioner Patton said.
“The deaths of four of our own continues to be felt right across the police force.”
He described how his worst fear came true when he received the dreaded knock on the door informing him his partner had died on duty.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
“The night we lost Josh our world fell apart,” 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.”
This content first appear on 9news