Neil Mitchell has paid tribute to his friend, former Detective Inspector and 3AW wine commentator Kim West, who sadly passed away this morning.

“Extremely well-known and well-respected member of Victoria Police, Detective Inspector Kim West has died,” Neil said.

“I only spoke to him last week.

“We were due to have lunch tomorrow.

“Forty-six years in the job.

“He was an old-style copper, he loved catching crooks and locking them up.

“He loved the police force and what he could achieve for people.”

Click PLAY below to hear the details

“He was known as Harry Heidelberg as a wine commentator,” Neil said.

This prompted listeners, from both sides of the law, to ring in and share their stories of Kim.

Image: Kim West (right)