'You were an absolute joy': Tributes for police officers killed in horror crash
The four police officers killed in the horrific Eastern Freeway crash have been named, with the Chief Commissioner vowing to uncover "every detail" that led to the tragedy.
New recruits Constable Josh Prestney and Constable Glen Humphris were killed alongside their senior colleagues Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor and Senior Constable Kevin King.
The officers were in the emergency lane of the Eastern Freeway, preparing to impound a black Porsche, when a semi-trailer ploughed into them about 5.40pm on Wednesday.
Flowers are placed at a makeshift memorial at Boroondara Police Station.Credit:Chris Hopkins
"They were members of our road policing drug and alcohol section and Highway Patrol. They were
our colleagues, our friends, our squad mates, our family," Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
"Each from different backgrounds, each with different life experiences, each with a common goal to keep the community safe. Their families will never be the same and our thoughts and prayers are with them."
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton at the scene on Wednesday night. Credit:AAP
Mr Ashton said police would "ensure that we uncover every detail that led to this tragic outcome".
"We will do this for those we have lost and for their families," he said.
"It takes a special person to put on the blue uniform and turn up to work each day to respond to those in need."
Constable Prestney, 28, had just graduated from the academy and was a quiet new recruit who shared his love of policing with his brother who is also in the force.
He was undertaking probationary constable extended training with the Nunawading Highway Patrol and on Wednesday night was working alongside Senior Constable Kevin King.
On social media he spoke of his love for heavy metal music and cycling and can be seen smiling in photos with his girlfriend. In one photo taken at the police academy, he is standing next to his proud grandmother - pinned on his chest are the words "squad 44".
On Thursday morning, just hours after the officers' deaths, hundreds of new recruits marched through the grounds of the police academy in honour of their fallen colleagues.
Only weeks ago Constable Glen Humpris marched in full uniform across the same ground.
The trainee graduated in March and was on placement with Victoria Police's road policing drug and alcohol unit at Collingwood.
Senior Constable King, a father of three boys and avid Richmond Football Club fan, worked at the Nunawading Highway Patrol unit.
"It was great seeing you at your 50th this year and being able to see you so happy surrounded by your family was the best memory that I will cherish forever," his nephew Lachie Fairweather wrote in a tribute on social media.
"I am absolutely devastated with this news. You were an absolute joy and will always be in our thoughts. My condolences to those families who also lost their loved ones in this tragic incident."
A police escort for one of the officer's bodies removed from the scene on Thursday.Credit:Eddie Jim
Senior Constable Taylor, a mother to two boys, was a keen traveller whose husband has also served in the police force.
She had spent most of her career working with the road policing division.
Dozens of floral tributes have been placed on the steps of Boroondara police station in tribute to the officers killed in the crash.
And Melbourne landmarks including Flinders Street Station and Town Hall will be lit up in blue on Thursday night as a mark of respect for the fallen officers.
Detectives from the homicide squad and Major Collision Investigation Unit are investigating the horrific crash.
The driver of the semi-trailer remains under police guard in hospital. The driver of the Porsche was being interviewed by police on Thursday.