Dalby police station welcomes its newest member, Constable Tai Johnson

Dalby’s newest police officer has traded his tools for a badge and is already sharing his love for the Western Downs region while revealing how he hopes to ‘make a difference’ in the community he now calls home.

Dalby welcomes the community's newest police officer, Constable Tai Johnson who made the move from Brisbane after graduating from the Police Academy. Picture: Emily Devon

Dalby police station has welcomed its newest officer, who has left the tools of his past tradie job behind and is now immersing himself within the Western Downs community.

While he is only new to the role, Constable Tai Johnson said he hopes to “help others” and “make a difference” in the region.

Constable Johnson made the move from Brisbane to Dalby a few short weeks ago after graduating from the Police Academy, and said it was through completing his plumbing apprenticeship that he realised he possessed the interpersonal skills to become a police officer.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping others and being part of a community,” he said.

“I enjoy being part of a team and that’s what the police is, it’s one big family and I’ve always wanted to immerse myself in the police culture.”

The new constable shared the idea of being part of the police team had been on his mind while growing up.

“The community aspect is what really drove me,” he said.

“A big thing I learnt in my apprenticeship after speaking with lots of different people, is dealing with others and (handling) jobs under pressure.”

The latest Dalby local shared he was fitting in well not only with his new teammates but the rest of the community as well.

“All the people here are awesome, I’ve loved my time so far and it’s not only at the station,” he said.

“The people I’ve met outside the station within Dalby have been really welcoming and good as well.”

While learning all he can in his new role, Constable Johnson’s goal is to ensure matters throughout town are dealt with thoroughly and holds himself to a high standard when facing situations important to the town.

“I will make sure that in every job I do, I investigate it to the best of my ability,” he said.

“I want to learn as much as I can, not just from being a police officer but from the community.”

Alongside his police duties, the new constable is expected to continue his love of footy and join the south west district team at the Southern Boars in the QPS rugby league competition later this year.

The new officer joins the Dalby Station, as its announced the state government has struck a deal with the Commonwealth to access hundreds of international recruits to bolster its police force.

Originally published as Dalby police station welcomes its newest member, Constable Tai Johnson