When South Australia Police (SAPOL) Commissioner Grant Stevens first swore in his youngest recruit, 'Sergeant Sammy Scully', he expressed an enthusiastic desire to blow 'stuff' up.
Today, Sgt Sammy saw his wish come true during an explosive outing at SAPOL's Echunga Training Reserve.
SAPOL recently joined forces with radio station Mix 102.3 to help Sammy fulfil his dream of becoming a police officer, after he was tragically diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in January last year.
Joined by members of the Bomb Response Unit (BRU), his family, some friends, and other police officers, Sgt Sammy began his shift with an induction in robotics.
Familiar with its Xbox controller, Sgt Sammy had the opportunity to operate an impressive 450kg robot powered by three batteries and worth a whopping $500,000.
However, it was the smaller 2.5kg robots which appealed most to the young Sergeant.
"I like the little robots because the big robot is too complicated," Sgt Sammy explained.
After some fun with x-ray equipment, BRU officers introduced their 38kg suits, including helmets – worn briefly by Sgt Sammy – before his sister Abigail put on the entire suit.
When handed some tennis balls to test the suit's protection, Sgt Sammy was asked if he would target Abigail.
"Yes, and it's going to be awesome," he replied.
Going out with a bang, Sgt Sammy hit the switch on a Hollywood-style controlled explosion (safely from 100 metres away, wearing protective equipment).
Commissioner Stevens thanked all involved in putting together the special day.
"Today the bomb squad have taken Sammy through the induction course, showed him the protective gear, and at the end of the day, he got to push the button on a massive explosion. And I think that was the highlight of his day," he said.
"Sammy's got his own challenges. There's no doubt about that, and I think days like this show the side of the police family that not a lot of people get to see, because there's not one single person that's been involved in any of the things we've done for Sammy who hasn't been 100 per cent committed to making it an amazing experience. And today's no different.
"He's visited the horses, police boats, the dog squad. He's arrested some criminals. He's been in the helicopter, and today with the bomb squad, every single person involved has tried to make it a special day for him. And I think that says a lot about who police are and how they approach life."
Overall, SAPOL is satisfied today's events blew away Sgt Sammy's expectations. "Can we do it again?" he asked.
SAPOL members were pleased to welcome Sgt Sammy back to the beat for a third time.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens and Sergeant Sammy Scully talking robots at South Australia Police's Echunga Training Reserve on Tuesday 1 October.
Sergeant Sammy Scully enjoying the opportunity to throw tennis balls at his sister, Abigail.
