Jewish community honours fallen police
'To think that Lynette, Kevin, Glen and Josh were just doing their job … in an effort to keep our roads safe. They should have returned home to their loved ones and they didn't'.
THE four Victoria Police members who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty were remembered in an online memorial service held by the Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV).
Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney were killed in a freeway crash last month.
Paying tribute to their sacrifice, the RCV service included words of reflection by Rabbi Moshe Kahn and MPs David Southwick and Nina Taylor. Rabbi Danny Mirvis and police chaplain Rabbi Shmuel Karnowsky recited psalms and prayers respectively, and RCV president Rabbi Philip Heilbrunn concluded the service with a song of strength.
Chair of the Victoria Police Jewish Network Sergeant Rowan Epstein lit four candles in memory of his fallen colleagues.
He told The AJN that while it has been “absolutely devastating” for all, he is grateful to the Jewish and greater community “for their support, love and kindness through this difficult time”.
“I also want to thank anyone who has graciously dropped off flowers, food, cards and thanks to their local police.
“It is all appreciated and we will get through this time with the support of the community.”
Echoing Epstein’s sentiments, Victoria Police chaplain Rabbi Daniel Rabin said, “In my discussions with many members since the tragedy occurred, they have told me that the community response has made coming to terms with the tragedy just a little easier.”
Rabbi Karnowsky, who has also been engaging with Victoria Police members in the wake of the tragedy, said, “This period has definitely been the most difficult and intense in my three years of chaplaincy – being there for those who are usually there for us, following the tragic loss of their colleagues in the line of duty.
“To think that Lynette, Kevin, Glen and Josh were just doing their job … in an effort to keep our roads safe. They should have all returned home to their loved ones at the end of their shift, and they didn’t. Absolutely heartbreaking.”
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