Local police received an emotional visit from the parents of a fallen police officer as the force remained steadfast in committing for the long haul in their search for fugitive Dezi Freeman.

Police have received more than 1000 tip-offs and nearly 200 since the announcement of a $1 million reward for Freeman’s arrest as the manhunt entered its 16th day.

While police continue to investigate a number of alleged sightings, there have still been no confirmed sightings since the shooting at his Rayner Track property near Porepunkah.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were shot dead as officers attended Freeman’s home on 26 August to execute a search warrant relating to historical sex offence allegations.

Both fallen officers have been formally farewelled at the Victoria Police Academy in Melbourne in moving services on Friday and Monday.

Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly of Victoria Police Crime Command said the force were given a boost after a visit from the parents of Sen Const de Waart-Hottart on Wednesday at the command post in Ovens and at the local Bright police station.

Carolina and Alain had flown in from the 34-year-old’s native Belgium for his funeral as well as attending the funeral of Det Led Sen Const Thompson on Monday.

Sen Const De Waart-Hottart was on temporary assignment in Wangaratta and had just been stationed at the Bright Police Station on the Thursday before his tragic death

Det Supt Kelly said the local members were deeply moved by their presence and interactions.

“As you can imagine it was very emotional,” he said.

“We felt it was important and the family appreciated visiting his worksite immediately prior to his death.

“It’s been a week of emotion for Victoria Police but I believe Vadim’s parents' attendance will hopefully assist them.

“It was an opportunity for them to understand the enormity of the task we’ve got.”

Police have continued to search numerous properties and areas within the community and surrounds, including a significant search which was seen to be conducted within the Porepunkah Airfield area on Tuesday afternoon after an information tip-off.

Police also maintain a significant presence at the Rayner Track property and were seen to be having a presence at properties near Myrtleford.

Superintendent Craig Darlow wouldn’t reveal the results of the searches but said the force were leaving no stone unturned in following up every lead.

“We’ve searched caves, mineshafts, huts and we will continue to do that over the coming weeks if need be,” he said.

“As we get information we assess that info and provide resources to those searches based on expert opinions on what we need to cover for those searches.

“We can’t walk away when we have a man that’s killed two of our members and shot a third, roaming around in bushland area potentially with firearms presenting a risk to the local community.

“While some of the people in the community might be frustrated with this and have difficulties with this, we request they be patient and understand we have a job to do in identifying where Desmond Freeman is and arrest him to enable the community to feel safe.”

Det Supt Kelly said the Bright and Porepunkah communities were being extremely cooperative with police in allowing them to search their properties and the support from the wider community continued to be greatly appreciated.

Police remained open to all possibilities in their search, including Freeman hiding by himself in bushland, receiving help from others, fleeing interstate or dead as a result of self-harm.

Det Supt Kelly said the option for Freeman to turn himself into police remained open and urged the community to continue to provide information to police, with the $1 million reward still an option.

“We only need the one tip that will result in the capture of Desmond Freeman,” he said.

Det Supt Kelly wouldn’t comment on investigations into individuals, including the potential of charging Ms Freeman who was present at the property at the time of the shooting and was arrested with her son shortly after.

More than 2000 police members have been involved throughout the duration of the operation so far which has received support from various international, national and state agencies.

Public messaging for the community remained the same, with people urged to remain vigilant and avoid travelling through the general Porepunkah unless essential.

Police advise that if you see Freeman, call 000 immediately but do not approach him as he was still considered heavily armed and dangerous.

Anyone with other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or visit your local police station.

For the most current advice and updates relating to this search, visit https://www.police.vic.gov.au/porepunkah-shooting-and-search-desmond-freeman-filby