Famous Melbourne landmarks have turned blue in honour of the four hero police officers who were killed in a horror truck smash on Wednesday night.
Flinders Street Station, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Police Association headquarters, Crown Towers and Crown Riverwalk all lit up in blue as the nation mourns the death of the fallen officers.
Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King, and Constable Josh Prestney were all killed.
Their tragic deaths is the greatest loss of police lives in a single incident in Victoria’s history.
Richard Pusey 41, was pulled over by police for travelling at 140km/h on the Eastern Freeway in Melbourne around 4.50pm on Wednesday.
At 5.40pm, a refrigeration truck ploughed into the group of police standing at the roadside, killing four officers, before Pusey allegedly took photos of the grisly scene and fled on foot.
The truck driver is currently in hospital under police guard after suffering a medical episode.
Crown Towers and Crown Riverwalk illuminated blue for the Victorian Police
Flinders Street Station lit up in blue to the four police officers who lost their lives on Wednesday
The Town Hall in blue colour in tribute to four police officers that died after being hit by a truck on Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway as they dealt with a speeding Porsche driver, in Melbourne
The Arts Centre is lit up in blue colour in tribute to four police officers that died after being hit by a truck on Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway
Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said she wanted to honour the officers for their bravery as the nation mourns their deaths.
‘It’s a way we can show our admiration and appreciation for the way the police protect us and really to mark this incredibly devastating time,’ she told 3AW.
‘So we responded quickly to that and we’re definitely lighting up Town Hall. Everyone is looking for ways for our capital cities to look as blue as possible to show our appreciation.
‘It’ll be in blue. It’ll look resplendent. And it’s hopefully a big signal to everyone in our police force … all of their families as well, to say that we care about them.’
Homes around the state have paid tribute to the fallen officers by leaving a blue ribbon on mailboxes, chalking the footpath, or laying down flowers at police stations.
Victoria Police headquarters also lit up in blue in tribute to their fallen colleagues
Two of the police officers who were tragically killed on Wednesday evening after stopping a man speeding in his Porsche
Senior constable Kevin King was described as ‘an older head with a lot of life experience who always made good judgement calls and decisions’
Crown Towers and Crown Riverwalk illuminated blue for the Victorian Police
Crown Towers and Crown Riverwalk illuminated blue for the Victorian Police
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews asked members of the community to come together to remember the officers.
‘Today I ask all Victorians to pause and honour every single member of Victoria Police for the work that they do, for the service that they offer,’ he said.
‘To live a life in the service of others is a deeply impressive thing. To lose your life in the service and protection of others is a tragedy
‘We honour those we’ve lost, we send our best wishes to their families, we send our best wishes and support to those worked alongside them, and hopefully all of us can come together and spend just a moment thinking of every member of Victoria Police.
‘And through that moment of quiet reflection, hopefully send our best wishes to every member of Victoria Police.
‘They do an amazing job and we have just been tragically reminded just how dangerous it could be.’
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews asked members of the community to come together to remember the officers
Prime Minister Scott Morrison also paid tribute to the police officers following their tragic death on Wednesday evening.
‘Awful, heart-breaking news that four police officers have been killed while on duty in Melbourne tonight. My deepest sympathies go out to their families, fellow officers and friends at this terrible time,’ Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted.
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese added: ‘Heartbreaking news out of Victoria. These officers were killed while doing their jobs – a terrible reminder of the risks taken by police and emergency workers every single day.
‘My deepest condolences to their families, friends and everyone at Victoria Police.’