By Jeremy Cook
Last week’s graduation from the police academy was a particularly special occasion for Warwick’s newest cop.
First Year Constable Sarah Harmer was among 137 new police recruits celebrating their swearing-in as officers at the Queensland Police Academy in Brisbane last Thursday, in what was the largest cohort to graduate in 26 years.
Looking on in support was Constable Harmer’s husband and Warwick Senior Sergeant Ryan Harmer. The ceremony marked 18 years to the day since Senior Sergeant Harmer’s graduation day and 36 years since his father’s graduation on the exact same parade ground.
Hailing from Warwick, the first year constable will return to her hometown for her first deployment. In deciding to embark on a career as a police officer, Constable Harmer said she had been looking for something “different”.
“I was looking for a career change that offered something different every day, where I could interact with the community but also feel a sense of accomplishment,” she said.
“I have learned a lot about myself through the various stages of training, immersing myself in study and pushing myself through new situations where I experienced both fear and adrenaline.
“Throughout training, I felt supported by knowledgeable instructors, each with unique experiences and insights on being a police officer.
“I am looking forward to returning to my hometown of Warwick to start my policing career in a community I love.”
In total, eight recruits will head to the Darling Downs police district for their first deployments with one to be stationed in Stanthorpe.
Police Minister Mark Ryan hailed the 2024 graduating cohort which he said was the largest in more than a quarter of a century.
Mr Ryan pointed to incentives like cost of living bonuses and HECS rebates of up to $20,000 for eligible tertiary degrees and urged “anyone considering a policing career to start now”.
