By Brendan Rees
A grief-stricken Narre Warren police officer, who launched a fundraiser for the families of four cops who died in the line of duty, has helped raise more than $75,000.
Senior Constable Steven Pope had launched a GoFundMe page just hours after the tragic deaths of four police officers who died when a semi-trailer collided with several cars including a Porsche on the Eastern Freeway in Kew on Wednesday 21 April.
“I cannot thank you all enough for your acts of support and generosity shown towards the families,” Sen Const Pope said on the fundraiser.
“Collectively you have raised over $70,000 in a matter of hours – the compassion shown for our frontline is overwhelming.”
Sen Const Pope had hoped to raise $2 million – $500,000 for each family, however, further donations for the fundraiser named the ‘Thin Blue Line – Eastern Freeway Tragedy’ have been suspended with Sen Const Pope asking anyone wishing to support the officers’ families to donate to Victoria Police Legacy.
“I’ve been working closely with GoFundMe to ensure that all donations reach the families. The money will be donated to the Victorian Police Legacy Remembrance Fund, who will in turn pass on the donations directly to those impacted.”
Police say two police officers had pulled over a Porsche about 4.50pm, which they had decided to impound due to its driver testing positive to illicit drugs.
Shortly after the two highway patrol officers were called to assist at the scene in the emergency lane of the Eastern Freeway, a large refrigerated truck – driven by a Cranbourne man – veered into the emergency lane and ploughed into the four officers.
On the fundraiser, Sen Const Pope said: “Whilst we mourn their loss, we grieve with their families and colleagues.”
“Whilst money can never replace a lost loved one, the financial stresses can take their toll.
“This is a brutal reminder of the danger Police face in the course of their service, every minute of every shift.”
Donations can be made via the Victorian Police Legacy website: http://www.policelegacyvic.org.au/#
