South Australia Police’s (SAPOL) youngest recruit, eight-year-old ‘Sergeant Sammy’, returned to duty this morning for an adventure-packed day shift.
Sammy Scully had dreams of becoming a police officer, specifically a member of Dog Operations Unit, but was tragically diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in January last year.
On Tuesday 14 May, SAPOL joined forces with radio station Mix 102.3 to help Sammy fulfil his wishes and share in memorable experiences, including a helicopter ride to Adelaide Oval, meeting police dogs, and hunting down three high-profile ‘crooks’ in Rundle Mall.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens was so impressed with Sgt Sammy’s high spirits and dedication to the job, that he today sought further assistance from the enthusiastic recruit.
Joined by sisters Abigail and Erin, and mother Alison Harrison, Sgt Sammy toured SAPOL’s Water Operations Unit, sat on a police jet ski, and enjoyed a special boat trip on Police Launch 2.
“We have recalled Sgt Sammy for duty, and he has spent some time with our Water Operations police,” Commissioner Stevens said.
“He has been out patrolling the Port River and was lucky enough to see some dolphins which was spectacular.
“It was great to have Sgt Sammy back and we know it meant a lot to him and his family.”
After completing his Port River patrol, Sgt Sammy was tasked to assist drug detection training at SAPOL’s Dog Operations Unit at Netley.
Supporting golden labrador PD Fang to locate illegal substances, Sgt Sammy also assisted in several other training exercises and enjoyed some obstacle course action by PD Cooper before the day’s highlight – puppies!
A playdate with three new black German Shepherd pups was undisputedly the “best part” of Sgt Sammy’s big day.
“The puppies were so cute and cuddly,” Sgt Sammy expressed with delight.
“I wanted to take them all home.”
The day finished at Mounted Operations Unit where Sgt Sammy completed his duties by feeding SAPOL’s police horses.
Following a tour of Thebarton Barracks, Sgt Sammy took a ride on Police Horse General and enjoyed a different view from high up.
When asked why he wanted to be a police officer, the young recruit said, “It’s just a great job and I like helping people.”
Overall, SAPOL members were pleased to welcome Sgt Sammy back to the beat and extend his experience of belonging in blue.
“Sgt Sammy did an amazing job today. He certainly set the standard for the rest of the recruits joining SAPOL,” Commissioner Stevens added.
“Thank you to all our members who went out of their way to welcome Sammy and ensure he had a fantastic experience.”
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens and Abigail, Sergeant Sammy and Erin Scully ready to embark on a morning patrol of Port River with South Australia Police’s Water Operations Unit on Tuesday, 25 June.
The highlight of Sergeant Sammy’s second day on duty was meeting new German Shepherd puppies at SAPOL’s Dog Operations Unit.
Sergeant Sammy riding Police Horse General at SAPOL’s Mounted Operations Unit.
