Hundreds stand in respect as slain officers honoured

After attempting to serve a warrant to Freeman at the Porepunkah property, 310km northeast of Melbourne, the two officers were shot dead and a third officer was left seriously injured, sparking a huge manhunt for the killer.

On Wednesday morning, a minute's silence was held at Bright Police Station, where more than 400 police officers and family members filled the crowd. 

Heartfelt tributes punctuated the hour-long service, with tributes delivered and officers reflecting on their time working alongside the pair.

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".

"Perhaps what stands out most is not where Vadim travelled, what he achieved, or even the uniform he wore," she said.

"He was kind, he was genuine, he was compassionate, he listened, he cared.

"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.

"It's not highly polished or without imperfection."

The double killing has been described as one of the "most tragic days in Victoria Police's history" by Chief Commissioner Mike Bush.

"Today is a solemn day for every single member of Victoria Police who will no doubt remember this tragedy like it was yesterday," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Family members and officers also attended a service in Wangaratta on Tuesday where a monument was unveiled to honour the fallen officers.

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.

"It's what made him such a good police officer. He followed in the footsteps of our grandfather and never wanted to be anything else. He truly loved his job."

The pair thanked their brother's friends and colleagues.

"Neal was just days away from living out his retirement dream, which was full of world travel and adventuring around Australia," they said.

"We are beyond devastated that it has been taken away from him, from us."

His partner, Sergeant Lisa Thompson, also attended the service, 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. 

"We lost Neal, our world, and the bright, adventurous future that our family had planned together. His loss has ripped through our hearts, our family and our community."

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 words, care and support we have received from Vadim's police family, and the community, has been extraordinary.

"The grief of our family has been shared with a caring community, and we have been uplifted by the support provided, at a time of incredible grief."

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.

The 56-year-old was fatally shot after emerging from the container holding a gun on the morning of March 30.

Twin coronial hearings for the murdered officers and Freeman are unfolding in the Victorian Coroners Court.