Two Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers have helped turn a young man's dream into a reality after personally escorting him to his high school graduation in a patrol car complete with lights and sirens.
In a heart-warming display of community spirit, police officers Senior Constable Sean Krumin and Constable Rowan Lee were tasked with taking 18-year-old Max Dezolt, who lives with cerebral palsy, to his graduation ceremony last month.
Max's interest in policing first began two years ago when he met Police Liaison Officer (PLO) Michelle Jardine at a school event.
"He walked straight up to me pointed at my badge and said 'po-po' and we immediately formed a strong bond," Ms Jardine said.
"When Max turned 16, I arranged a police shirt for him through Uniform for Kids as well as a short drive around the block from his house in a police car," she said.
Since then, Max has maintained a keen interest and passion for policing.
Senior Constable Krumin said the ability to make Max's dream come true by driving him to his formal, was a wonderful opportunity to serve the community in a different capacity.
"When you choose a career in policing, you do so knowing that some days will be incredibly difficult, but days like this where we get to make someone's dream come true is so rewarding," said Senior Constable Krumin.
"It's a strong reminder that our service in and to community comes in so many different forms.
"Max is a remarkable young man and it was a privilege to help make his graduation that extra bit special."
Max's mother Trudi Dezolt said the police escort has become his highlight for his final year of school.
"He's been very excited to know the police are coming to pick him up and take him down to his graduation, and has talked about it over and over," Ms Dezolt said.
"He's worked very hard to get here and overcome so many challenges, not just in his school life but life in general, so this is all about celebrating his massive achievement."
PLO Jardine said Max has been planning his dream graduation night on a vision board for months.
"When his teacher asked him to plan his dream formal Max knew what he wanted straight away, choosing a navy suit, LEDs on his wheelchair and a police car to arrive in at the Lucinda Point Hotel for his Valedictory Dinner," Ms Jardine said.
"He made every decision himself and was so certain about wanting police to be part of it, so it was wonderful to see his excitement grow as the day approached."
"Bringing his dream to life meant a lot to everyone involved."
When asked why he wanted to arrive in a police car, Max said via his iPad that, "the lights and sirens make me feel safe."
When Senior Constable Krumin and Constable Lee escorted Max and his friends to the graduation in a QPS patrol car, they were met with cheers and applause from onlookers outside the venue.
Ms Dezolt said the support surrounding her son had made the evening 'unforgettable'.
"Just to put a smile on a child's face like this is amazing," she said.
"We have been very blessed with how wonderful his friends, family and teachers are with him, because everybody just falls in love with Maxie because he has such an infectious personality."
When asked if he wanted to be a policeman, Max firmly said "Yes!".
A career with the Queensland Police Service offers diverse roles, unique challenges, and the chance to make a real difference every day. From emergency response and crime prevention to community engagement and public safety, no two days are ever the same.
From our bustling cities to remote towns and pristine coastline, policing in Queensland offers a career and lifestyle as diverse as the communities you'll serve.
Looking for a career that stands for more? Stand with us in a challenging and rewarding career. Visit policerecruit.qld.gov.au to apply now.
