MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Fully kitted out in a police “uniform” made by her mother, Emily Rose Ludick (4) made Mossel Bay Police Station officers smile when she and her mother visited them on Thursday, 29 August. 

Emily dressed up as a police officer for Darling Ducks preschool's annual career day and went to the police station to learn about being a woman in blue. 

Her mother, Olga Ludick, said that last year Emily had wanted to be a firefighter but this year, she insisted she wanted to be a police officer, just like her uncle. 

"Her uncle, Morné D'Emiljo, is an officer in Stilbaai, but the first place he was stationed was Mossel Bay Police Station, so this visit was very special," said Olga. 

"We have a family member who is a firefighter, and another who is a traffic officer, so Emily has already told me that next year, she wants to be a traffic officer for career day. She wants to try them all and see where she fits in best." 

Emily Rose Ludick in the police “uniform” her mother Olga made her. Photo: Olga Ludick

Olga said Emily had lots of fun at the station and was proud to show the officers the bullet-proof vest Olga had made. "I wanted her to see that being a police officer isn't just about catching bandits." 

Commander 

Olga said Emily met the station's commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Seppie September during her visit. "She was very excited to meet him. She listened to the commander and was impressed with everything he said."

 Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp said the tour of the station was arranged by the station's social crime officer, Sergeant Kay James. 

"She was shown the station and the commander encouraged her to not fear the police and to always approach an officer if she ever feels unsafe. He also spoke to her about being a responsible citizen," he said. 

Kapp said the officers at the station enjoyed her visit and it brightened up their day. He added that there are many avenues a person can take in the police, such as forensics, the K9 Unit, the Diving Unit and communications. 

"We encourage people, especially the youth, to come and see what we do. We have a youth desk and a junior commissioners' programme. "There are careers for people in the police, but you must have a calling to protect and serve the public," he said.

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