IT'S a difficult job, and sometimes a thankless one, but the community should always be thankful for the police and the people that dedicate themselves to helping and protecting others.
It takes a special type of person to do it, and that's exactly what local Kale Johnson is, as he strives to join the force through the IPROWD (Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery) program.
Run by TAFE, it aims at training indigenous Australians to become police officers and deal with the challenges involved in the role.
The Muswellbrook 19-year-old is studying in Sydney and is hoping to be wearing the uniform as soon as he can.
"Hopefully I'll get into the August class, I absolutely love it and it is a bit different living in Sydney being a country bloke but the fitness is fantastic and the academic side is starting to get me up to scratch too," he said.
His family was the reason he found out about the project and he revealed he jumped on the opportunity when it popped up.
"I believe it was my aunty that made me aware of it because she taught at the Kurri Kurri IPROWD and I told her I wanted to become a police officer," said Kale.
He said it's been an amazing experience and would advise anybody eligible to take part in the program.
"I most certainly would say others should do it, I wouldn't say it's an easy pathway but it's certainly an option," he said.
"And if you struggle with anything academically or physically it'll get you up to where you need to be."
The maturity shown by Kale should hold him in good stead to become part of the force, and with people like him who have such passion and drive entering the academy, the police will be in responsible hands moving forward.
