Mackay’s newest officer Lachlan Giarrusso graduates from Queensland Police Service Academy

The latest group of new police officers have celebrated their graduation and are now heading out to work across Queensland.

New police recruits at the Townsville Stadium. Recruits Deng Mading, Lachlan Giarrusso, Sian French, Sam (Samantha) Menteith, Narender Kolan and Jesse Kinbacher. Picture: Evan Morgan

Regional Queensland is getting 55 new police officers, who have just celebrated their graduation from the Queensland Police Service Academy ahead of their first official day on the front lines.

New Constable Lachlan Giarrusso will be stationed in the Mackay and Whitsunday district from next week and said he was excited to get out into the region.

As a former accountant and NDIS worker the role will be a big change but he is looking forward to it.

Mr Giarrusso said he realised his passion for helping others through his NDIS role.

“Working with some of the most vulnerable members of our community taught me that effective, tailored communication is crucial in every interaction, and going above and beyond is essential to providing the best support,” he said.

Recruit Lachlan Giarrusso is off to Mackay. Picture: Evan Morgan

“I always wanted to join the police but didn’t think I was good at talking to people until I started that job.

“I thought, I really enjoy this and I’d like to do it further so I threw my hat in the ring and applied — and have loved every minute of it.”

He will be moving from Townsville to Mackay and said he is looking forward to the lifestyle change.

The new officers will be stationed all the way from Gladstone to Gordonvale in an effort to address a crime crisis across regional Queensland.

The 36-week training program undertaken by the officers included a unique deployment to flood-affected Townsville to assist with clean-up efforts.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Dan Purdie, and being a police officer was a challenging but rewarding career.

“I was a police officer for more than 25 years and during that time I saw the worst of the worst and the best of the best, sometimes in the same day,” he said.

“My message to our newest officers is that you will be rewarded with mateship and gain a unique perspective on the value of service to your community.

“We will continue to give police the laws and resources they need to keep the community and officers safe – we will always have your back.”

Originally published as Mackay’s newest officer Lachlan Giarrusso graduates from Queensland Police Service Academy