URGENT UPDATE: The Tim Lewczuk bridge has been officially renamed in memory of the late Senior Constable Tim Lewczuk, as his family gathered at the site earlier today. Richard and Dot Lewczuk, Tim’s parents, expressed their profound emotions during the heartfelt ceremony, stating, “It’s always tough losing somebody but we were very proud.”
Tim Lewczuk, who joined the police force in 1989, met a tragic end on a Saturday night in 1997, when a vehicle collision on the Western Freeway claimed his life. As Senior Constable Lewczuk was questioning a driver, another car crashed into the police vehicle, throwing him onto the highway below. This devastating loss forever altered the lives of his family.
The emotional weight of the ceremony was further amplified by the recent killings of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah last month. Dot Lewczuk remarked, “For anyone that’s lost somebody while they were on duty, it brings it all back.” She emphasized that time does not lessen the pain and that such events bring the grief to the forefront.
Dot highlighted the significance of National Police Remembrance Day, stating, “It just means that he’s never forgotten.” The National Police Remembrance Day memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, at Club Italia, located at 128-152 Furlong Road, Sunshine, starting at 11 AM. Observances will continue across the state on Monday, September 29.
To support the families impacted by the recent tragedy in Porepunkah, donations can be made to the Victoria Police Legacy remembrance fund at https://www.policelegacyvic.org.au/.
The renaming of the bridge serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by police officers and ensures that their legacies endure in the hearts of their community. As the family and supporters gather to honor Tim, the emotional impact resonates deeply, reminding us all of the risks faced by those in service.
