*Please note: Vision and stills of the police investigation will be available via Hightail as a vision alert this afternoon.
The NSW Police Force has given a young boy an opportunity of a lifetime to become a police officer for the day and save the city!
Partnering with Make-A-Wish Australia, the NSW Police Force was able to grant 12-year-old Bryson's wish of leading an immersive, action-packed, simulated police investigation.
Bryson was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a form of paediatric brain cancer, when he was three years old and despite going into remission, he will need ongoing surgeries and treatment for the rest of his life.
Despite his health challenges, Byson loves police and wants to become an officer when he is older.
Together with Make-A-Wish, NSW Police have given Bryson a hands-on experience, utilising the resources of specialist units to make Bryson's wish of becoming a police officer for a day come true.
Bryson was sworn in as an honorary police officer, given a special uniform and promoted to rank of Inspector.
Today (Thursday 2 October 2025), in a simulated police event, Inspector Bryson was invited to attend an award ceremony at the Sydney Opera House, for police dog Blue who had previously saved a young swimmer.
But as preparations for the medal ceremony were underway, police discovered a special key to the city to unlock the vault where PD Blue's medal was kept, had been stolen.
Bryson was tasked to lead a police mission to recover the stolen key, salvage the ceremony and save the day.
His investigation began in The Domain which was where the alleged the thief was last seen. With the assistance of specialist unit officers from the Public Order & Riot Squad, Dog and Mounted Unit, Tactical Operations Unit, Forensics, Radio Operation Group, Bryson uncovered vital clues and evidence.
The clues led Inspector Bryson to a warehouse where the shirt of the alleged offender was discovered. With the assistance of forensic services, Inspector Bryson was able to narrow down who the alleged offender was and that he had access to a boat. With the help of Pol Air, Inspector Bryson took to the skies to track the alleged thief's vessel, then board a Marine Area Command vessel to give chase, finally apprehending the alleged offender on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
Inspector Bryson was able to arrest the alleged thief, recover the key and medal, just in time so that the ceremony for Police Dog Blue could go ahead.
As a result of Inspector Bryson's quick police actions, he was awarded a special Sydney City Police Medal for his bravery and courage.
The NSW Police Force wishes to thank Inspector Bryson for his investigative skills, and for saving the day!
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said granting Bryson's wish was a fantastic expression of the NSW Police Force's commitment to public service and community engagement.
"Bryson's courage and determination are truly inspiring. When we heard about his wish to have a police experience, we knew we had to make it unforgettable," Commissioner Lanyon said.
"Today, he's not just part of the team - he's leading it.
"Granting Bryson's wish reminds us why we wear the badge. It's about service, hope, and making a difference in the community, just like Bryson did today."
Sydney City Police Area Commander, Superintendent Martin Fileman said NSW Police were honoured to help make Bryson's dream a reality.
"Bryson didn't play the role of a police officer, he embodied it," Superintendent Fileman said.
"His energy, instincts, and leadership throughout the investigation were nothing short of remarkable. He's a hero in every sense of the word.
"We hope Bryson has a joyous police experience, one that he will never forget."
Make-A-Wish Australia's Chief Executive Officer Sally Bateman said wishes were only possible thanks to the support of the community.
"We are hugely grateful to have the wonderful help of NSW Police to bring Bryson's to life and thank everyone involved for creating an unforgettable experience for Bryson and his family," Ms Bateman said.
"We've seen first-hand the incredible impact wishes have on critically ill children and their families, bringing much-needed joy back to childhood. Bryson's extraordinary wish will provide happy memories and will be something he can look back on in years to come.
"Make-A-Wish is celebrating 40 years of granting amazing wishes across Australia. As a trusted children's charity, we rely on the support of community partners like NSW Police to help make wishes come true."
