Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were killed just before midday on August 26, 2025 while serving a warrant on Dezi Freeman at his remote property in Victoria's high country.
Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush immediately rushed to the small regional town of Porepunkah on hearing the news, quickly ensuring that all resources would be deployed to the investigation.
"We received the call when we were doing a station visit with my chief of staff," Mr Bush said on the one-year anniversary of the shootings.
"He took the call and I looked at his face, and the colour draining from his face told me everything I needed to know."
A third officer was also injured during the operation that morning as Freeman fled the scene, sparking Australia's largest manhunt.
Mr Bush on Wednesday put those who assisted the police killer on notice, saying "they know exactly who they are."
The sun was shining at the picturesque police station of Bright as friends, family and police colleagues gathered to remember the two fallen officers.
A minute's silence was held at the memorial, where more than 400 police officers and family members gathered.
Two mosaics, one of Det Sen Const Thompson and his beloved dog and another of Sen Const de Waart-Hottart crafted by a local artist, were unveiled.
The murals sit on the wall at the entrance, watching over the members of the station.
The acting commander of State Emergencies and Public Order, Peta Barrett, said Sen Const de Waart-Hottart's legacy came from "the person he was".
"He was kind, he was genuine, he was compassionate, he listened, he cared," she said.
"He took time to connect with people."
Sergeant Justin Schulze said the tributes reflected the way Det Sen Const Thompson lived his life.
"I see strength, character," he said.
"A strong style. That still incorporates some rough edges."
The past year has been a rollercoaster for members with more downs than ups, Police Association of Victoria Secretary Wayne Gatt told reporters.
"We've seen a degree of comfort in the resolution, but we have worms in the stomach," he said.
"They don't go away. We know that."
The impact on the force, particularly those who attended the scene in Porepunkah, continues to be felt every day, with some yet to return to work since the tragedy, Mr Gatt said.
Lois Kirk and Dianne Thompson, the sisters of slain officer Det Sen Const Thompson, said the past year had been very difficult.
"We miss our big brother every single day. Neal was fiercely loyal, a natural leader and just as tough as he was soft," they said.
"Neal was just days away from living out his retirement dream, which was full of world travel and adventuring around Australia."
His partner, Sergeant Lisa Thompson, also attended the service, wiping away tears and laying a wreath at the memorial.
"Every day feels surreal, and there are many of us who still expect to see him walk through the front door," she said.
Sen Const de Waart-Hottart's parents said their family feel a deep connection and gratitude for the community's care and kindness.
"We understand now that Vadim belongs to a much wider family than our own. Both a police family and a broader family of the Victorian community," a statement on behalf of Carolina de Waart and Alain Hottart said.
The search for Freeman was the largest tactical policing operation in Australian history, involving hundreds of officers and specialised resources.
Freeman was fatally shot after he was tracked to a shipping container at Thologolong, in Victoria's remote northeast on March 30.
Twin coronial hearings for the murdered officers and Freeman are unfolding in the Victorian Coroners Court.
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