A Victorian police officer killed in the line of duty has been remembered by his family as a big softie who loved to cook and play the guitar.
Senior Constable Kevin King was one of the four police officers killed after being struck by a truck on Melbourne's Eastern freeway last week.
The 50-year-old, who had been with Victoria Police for six years, was described by his family as "a caring, considerate, gentle and kind-hearted person".
"A big softie who would do anything for absolutely anyone. He'd always be there," his wife Sharron Mackenzie and sons William, James and Henry said in a statement on Monday.
The family said Senior Constable King was "almost destined" to become a police officer after working in the rag trade for many years.
"He was searching for a long time for something that had meaning and we'd often joke that he seemed like a cop even long before he was a cop, it was his nature," the family said.
"He was always methodical, very well-organised, and loved comradery. He loved going to work, it was his home away from home."
At home, Senior Constable King loved to cook - pasta dishes and minestrone soup were his specialities - as well as play the guitar in the sunshine.
A passionate Richmond Football Club supporter, his sons will miss going to the football with him and listening to his "slightly daggy dad jokes".
"My beautiful man, my life, my rock and my only love for 35 years is gone and life will never be the same," Ms Mackenzie said.
Senior Constable King, along with Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Constable Glen Humphris and Constable Josh Prestney, died after being hit by a truck while impounding a Porsche in the emergency lane of the Kew freeway.
Truck driver Mohinder Singh, 47, was charged on Monday with culpable driving causing the four deaths and will return to court in October.
The Porshe driver, Richard Pusey, 41, was charged on Friday with nine offences including driving at a dangerous speed, reckless conduct endangering life, failing to render assistance and drug possession.
He remains in custody on remand and is due back in court in July.
