This week marks 40 years since the formation of Victoria Police Legacy (VPL), with the organisation playing a key role in helping thousands of police families through difficult times over the past four decades.
VPL, which was established in 1980 by Chief Commissioner Sinclair Imrie "Mick" Miller and several founding committee members, is a not for profit charitable organisation that supports police families dealing with the loss of a loved one, including those killed in the line of duty or taken suddenly.
The organisation was established after the tragic murder of Swan Hill based Detective Senior Constable Robert Lane on 13 July 1979 highlighted the lack of services and support available at the time to families of police officers dealing with these circumstances.
The 32-year-old detective had travelled to the border of New South Wales to speak to a suspect about a stolen car. When searching a property, he was fatally shot by the suspect, leaving behind a widow and several children.
Police Legatees are supported with a range of services and programs, including educational grants from pre-school through to tertiary level, as well as trade apprenticeships.
Support for mature age police legatees includes programs and activities such as home visits by a field officer, social functions, regional lunches and home support services.
Youth development grants are also available to Police Legatees to support their personal growth through sporting, volunteering or other activity.
Victoria Police Legacy Board Member, Senior Sergeant Kate O'Neill, said the organisation has continued to support greater numbers of legatees each year, with around 1,500 Victoria Police Legatees currently receving support and services from VPL.
"Victoria Police Legacy has been providing police families dealing with the loss of a loved one with assistance and care over four decades, including educational support, face-to-face visits, and home support."
"Our current workforce strongly contributes to the work of Victoria Police Legacy, with approximately 90 percent of Victoria Police sworn staff including police and PSOs donating every fortnight to the organisation through payroll deductions.
"In 2019, VPL provided more than $350, 000 in educational grants for young police legatees.
Current Victoria Police Legatees range from five months to 99 years old, with an expanding number of young adults and children under 22 years of age.
