After 29 years of service as a Queensland Police Officer, Sargent Jodie Murray believes being the Aspley Special School Adopt A Cop (AAC) is the highlight of her career.
The Adopt a Cop Program is a volunteer based program where Queensland Police Officers work closely with community organisations including schools, early childhood centres and other community groups with the aim of fostering positive relationships between police and students.
Aspley Special School AAC Sargent Jodie Murray said her focus is to teach students that police work to help keep them safe.
Jodie works alongside her 4-legged companion, Charlie who is very popular in the Aspley Special School community.
“My role as the AAC is to break down the barriers that the students may have with any pre-conceptions of what police do. My main focus is to teach the students that police are here to help keep them safe, and to foster a positive relationship between police and students.
“I feel so fortunate to be part of a truly wonderful community at Aspley Special School. The students, staff and teachers have welcomed me and Charlie, and I’ve been exposed to incredible moments of happiness, tenacity, vulnerability, and kindness by being part of this school community,” Sargent Murray said.
A Friendly Pooch and A Friendly Face in Uniform
As a part of the AAC program, Sargent Murray accompanies students on many activities including excursions to the Mounted Police Unit and incursions with the Railway Squad, Drums performances and other Queensland Police Service units.
She also enjoyed attending important school events including Sports Day, the Year 12 Formal, Harmony Day, NAIDOC celebrations and other school expos.
Aspley Special School Principal Mrs Kathleen McDonald said Sargent Murray is an exceptional AAC dedicating time to connect with students and staff.
“The bond that students and staff have formed with Sargent Jodie and Charlie is heartwarming and deeply impactful.
“They see not just a friendly face in uniform but also gain a sense of security and trust, feeling comfortable to talk to Jodie about anything. She has been a tremendous support to the school whenever needed,” Mrs McDonald said.
Mrs McDonald also said Charlie’s calm and friendly demeanour is a highlight at Monday morning assemblies with students hugging and patting him, which creates a calming and comforting atmosphere for students.
“I think that we all have so many life lessons to learn from dogs, and Charlie continues to teach me, and everyone he interacts with, these lessons,” Sargent Murray said.
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