Four police members died in a horrific crash in Kew on Wednesday afternoon.

People across Victoria are paying their respects to the officers, their families and members of Victoria Police who put themselves in harms way to protect the safety of the community every day.

City of Ballarat mayor Ben Taylor released a statement on Thursday evening to pay respect to the families of the officers killed and to Victoria Police members.

"On behalf of the City of Ballarat, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of the four police officers tragically killed in Melbourne yesterday," he said.

"We express our gratitude for the service of these officers and to all Victorian Police members who selflessly serve our community.

"As a mark of respect the Ballarat Town Hall clockface and the fountains at Lake Wendouree and Eureka Stockade Memorial Gardens will be lit up blue this evening."

Earlier on Thursday, Ballarat Highway Patrol Sergeant Stuart Gale told The Courier the tragic incident had affected Victoria Police members across the state, including in Ballarat.

READ MORE: Ballarat Highway Patrol members impacted significantly by horrific crash

"The Highway Patrol is a small group in the Victorian Police force, a lot of people know each other and develop connections throughout the state so an incident like this impacts in a big way," he said.

"We all do the same job, we all know the road is a dangerous place... we're on the front line.

"From here on we're just touching base with our members, making sure they're okay and are in touch with any services should they need them."

The Australian flag at the Arch of Victory was lowered to half mast on Thursday in honour of the members lost on Wednesday evening.

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