Authorities are bracing for another day of “very high chance of showers,” as forecasted by the Bureau of Meteorology, while they search the tough terrain of Victoria’s alpine area for the alleged police shooter, Dezi Freeman.

Hundreds of officers, including specialized units, have converged on the small rural community, with Victoria Police deploying all available resources to locate and capture Freeman.

He worked at St Kilda Police Station for thee years and had been on a temporary assignment in Wangaratta, police said.”

An eternal optimist and avid traveller, Vadim was fluent in French, Spanish, Flemish and English.

He had also completed scuba dives all around the world and motorcycling trips more locally with his friends and colleagues,” the statement said.

“He was a keen gin collector and always picked up a local bottle on his overseas adventures for his large collection at home.

“While travelling was his passion, Vadim was extremely proud to have purchased his first home in Melbourne in recent years.”

Floral tributes continue to pour in for the two slain police officers.

The flowers are piling up outside Wangaratta Police Station, but also at Kings Domain in Melbourne.

Melbourne landmarks were lit up in blue overnight to honour the lives of Thompson and De Waart.

Flinders Street Station was among the public buildings illuminated.