A memorial award was given out for the first time on Friday 23 May in honour of police officer and community member Elias Gerovasilis, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident at just 22.
The local tragedy spurred on the establishment of the award by Victoria Police to recognise an individual who has shown outstanding effort and involvement in Road Safety within the Yarra Ranges Police Service Area.
First-time winner of the award, Leading Senior Constable James Savin, hugged Elias’ parents Bill and Janine as he received the award.
The family, along with Elias’ older brother, Joaquim, and younger sister, Poppy, are well known in the Tecoma area.
In his short time as a police officer at Belgrave, Elias had a big impact and his passing has been felt deeply by family, police and the wider community.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give, Winston Churchill said that,” LSC Savin said.
“Elias is not with us, but he lives on in this project.”
A candle was lit in honour of Elias, and Janine and Bill Gerovasilis stood and thanked many of the police officers in attendance who were connected to Elias and who helped to establish the award.
“Thank you to our boy – we love you, miss you, and your legacy is going to continue,” Janine said.
The Elias Gerovasilis memorial award is peer-nominated and selected, and will now be awarded on 23 May each year.
