Memorial projects honour local police who died in line of duty

Earlier in August, the Blue Ribbon Foundation Greater Shepparton Branch announced a $250,000 donation to fund the projects.

Daryl Eyre served with Victoria Police for nearly 40 years, including his final decade at Cobram, and had been on the force for 13 years when his 20-year-old brother Constable Damian Eyre was murdered.

Constable Eyre and Constable Steven Tynan were ambushed after responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle in South Yarra, Melbourne, in what became known as the Walsh St police shootings.

The call on October 12, 1988, deliberately lured the police members to the scene where they were both shot at close range.

Mr Eyre said it was difficult for himself and his father, Frank Eyre, to remain in policing after the killings.

“We stayed on in spite of what happened,” he said.

“We weren’t going to be beaten.”

The Eyre-Tynan Emergency Department at GV Health was originally dedicated in 2007 but through the recent hospital redevelopment has been relocated and expanded.

Mr Eyre said it was a great legacy for “those boys”.

“To me, it was senseless, and something had to grow out of it,” he said.

“I remember saying to Frank, there’s got to be a reason for it — well, here’s the reason.

“Have a look at all these A&Es around the state — that’s the reason.”

The Ray Denman Short Stay Unit was also dedicated in 2007 and has increased capacity in the redevelopment.

Meanwhile a new memorial project, an emergency department isolation room, has been dedicated to the memory of Constable Victor Nelson and Senior Constable Ian Crilly.

The room is an important facility for the hospital to isolate and treat patients presenting with potentially infectious conditions.

Victoria Police deputy commissioner regional operations Rick Nugent thanked local members of the Blue Ribbon Foundation branch, and GV Health.

“The lives and careers of these men were tragically cut short,” Mr Nugent said.

“We again thank them for their loyal, dedicated and professional service to the Victorian community.”

New dedication plaques were also created for the memorials and a memorial garden next to the emergency department will offer seating and shade for quiet reflection.