Heartbroken loved ones of the police officers gunned down by Dezi Freeman have gathered to pay tribute to the pair, one day before the killings' first anniversary.
Hundreds braved the cold as dark clouds rolled over the service outside Wangaratta police station in memory of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and his colleague Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34.
The pair were killed and a third officer was injured while executing a warrant for Freeman's arrest at Porepunkah, in Victoria's alpine region, on August 26, 2025.
Family members, friends and fellow officers from across the state united on Tuesday, marking the anniversary since their colleagues left home never to return.
A memorial was unveiled in their honour at the station by Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush.
"At its heart rise two life-sized stone pillars. The stone was hand-selected and represents the everlasting memory of our two mates standing in silent strength," Detective Senior Sergeant Mick Drew said during his tribute.
"Distinct yet inseparable, the pillars perfectly represent the two very different lives that Neal and Vadim had experienced when they came together."
It was near the same spot, almost a year to the day, where Mr Bush held a media conference announcing the officers' deaths and revealing that a manhunt had been launched in the nearby township of Porepunkah.
The shootings and ensuing manhunt, which ended when Freeman was shot dead by police seven months later, left deep scars on the region.
"One year ago tomorrow, a team of highly dedicated, very capable officers embarked on a mission to hold an alleged pedophile to account," Mr Bush said on Tuesday.
"What occurred after that was an absolute tragedy, one of the most tragic days in Victoria Police history."
It was not a time to speak of the "senseless murder" but to remember and reflect on the grief and loss of family members, a relative who wished to remain anonymous told AAP.
Senior Constable Paul Campbell delivered a personal tribute to his close colleague and friend, also known as "Thommo".
He spoke about Det Sen Const Thompson's deep love of animals and dogs, including his own.
"There was no disputing Neal's love of animals and nature," he said.
"An automated watering dog bowl has been installed at the memorial site, and I'm sure that Neal would love the concept that any doggo friend passing by is welcome to stop for a drink."
His partner, Sergeant Lisa Thompson, and sisters Lois and Diane also attended the service, along with Sen Const de Waart-Hottart's aunt and uncle Jackie and Shane Dellavedova.
The Police Ode was read out, before a minute's silence, followed by a flyover by the police Air Wing.
Both officers worked at the station, which was inundated with flowers in the days after the shooting.
The search for Freeman was the largest tactical policing operation in Australian history, involving hundreds of officers and specialised resources.
Police tracked Freeman to a shipping container at Thologolong in Victoria's remote northeast seven months after he disappeared into dense bushland following the Porepunkah shooting.
The 56-year-old was fatally shot after emerging from the container holding a black handgun following hours of negotiations on the morning of March 30.
Twin coronial hearings for the murdered officers and Freeman are unfolding in the Victorian Coroners Court.
State Coroner Liberty Sanger held a directions hearing into both cases in May, and an inquest could be scheduled for March 2027.
A second memorial will be held in Bright on Wednesday.
The Bright event will be hosted at the local police station with a second monument to be revealed.
Australian Associated Press