Hundreds of police formed a guard of honour in Mildura on Thursday to honour their late colleague who died on duty.
Senior Constable Bria Joyce, 25, and 23-year-old Cardross man Josh Moore died when their cars collided near Red Cliffs in north-west Victoria on Friday, April 8.
Senior Constable Joyce was in an unmarked police car alongside 44-year-old Leading Senior Constable Thomas Kinnane, who remains in hospital from injuries related to the crash.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, but police said early stages of the investigation suggested the ute veered across the road into the oncoming police car.
It was the first time a Victorian Police officer died in the line of duty since four Police officers were killed on the Eastern Freeway in April, 2020.
Hundreds gather to mourn
Mildura's Sacred Heart Catholic Church was overflowing for Senior Constable Joyce's funeral on Thursday, with hundreds of police, emergency services and loved ones in attendance.
Police formed a guard of honour for her after the funeral.
In a statement, Senior Constable Joyce's partner asked for privacy as the family continues to "come to terms with our loss".
"Bria's extended family, friends and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Bria," he said.
Neil was one of dozens of locals standing outside the church to pay their respects.
He told the ABC he did not know Ms Joyce personally, but the event was "a true tragedy".
Premier praises police
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews praised the sacrifices police make in the line of duty.
"They run toward the danger, the rest of us go in the opposite direction," he said.
"We send our love support, best wishes, thanks and deepest condolences to her family and friends, and all of those who work with her."
