Almost 300 of Victoria Police’s newest officers are celebrating their graduation after what was the biggest ceremony in the force’s history.
Chief commissioner Shane Patton congratulated the officers at the Victoria Police Academy across a two-day event on Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May.
“These past two years were like no other, and this meant our newest officers were not able to celebrate with their friends and family after months of hard work,” Mr Patton said.
“This is the biggest graduation in the force’s history, and we were pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to our newest constables.”
“It means our newest constables, who have dedicated their lives to protecting fellow Victorians, could formally celebrate their achievements with their friends and family.”
The constables, who have already commenced their crime-fighting career across the state, got the opportunity to celebrate with their friends and family after missing out on a traditional graduation because of coronavirus restrictions over the past two years.
The officers represent a variety of ages and have diverse career histories, each bringing unique experiences to their new role.
Those graduating include former flight attendants, hospitality workers, electricians, carpenters and a scuba dive instructor.
They also represent various ethnicities, coming from 50 different countries, including Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Egypt, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and Thailand.
Honouring tradition, the graduation ceremony was held outside and featured the police band, the mounted branch and Shrine guards.
The constables have been deployed to regional and metropolitan police stations across Victorian including Moe and Malvern.
Constable Virginia Brandi, a new graduate, said her dad acting sergeant Roy Brandi, a police officer of almost 30 years, inspired her to join the job.
She completed her 28-week police training course in May 2021, but her family couldn’t attend the graduation due to the coronavirus restrictions.
She is now stationed at Fawkner Police Station.
