A former paramedic, truck driver and disability support worker were among 25 new police officers who graduated from the Tasmania Police Academy on Friday.
The diverse cohort, aged between 19 and 50, completed a 28-week training program before being deployed to stations across Tasmania including Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport.
Friday’s ceremony at Rokeby marked the fourth police graduation this year, with Tasmania Police having welcomed 92 new constables in 2025.
Constable Claire Eaton, 24, took top honours as dux after leaving her job as a soccer referee in Canberra. She will be stationed at Bridgewater.
“I’ve always been really passionate about giving back and getting involved in the community and when I started considering the idea of police, it just felt right,” Eaton said.
“I love nature and the cold, so what could be a better choice than Tassie.”
Runner-up Patrick Denny, 25, brings experience from Queensland Police’s radio dispatch unit to his new role at Hobart station.
The graduation also saw Lynda Deverell, 46, complete a dramatic career switch from 25 years in nursing to follow her police officer husband onto the beat at Burnie.
“I just woke up one morning and I said to my husband ‘I just want a career that is new and exciting’,” Deverell said.
“My husband is a career police officer, he’s been in the force 25 years.”
“I just really respect the role. I wanted to see what he did and I haven’t looked back. I’m really excited to take on this journey.”
Acting Commander Vanessa Castle said the recruits were ready to tackle the unpredictable nature of modern policing.
“I congratulate all our recruits on their graduation. While they should be justly proud of their efforts so far, this is just the start of their journey with Tasmania Police,” Castle said.
“Our recruits are stepping into roles which are anything but ordinary, with each shift offering a new opportunity to serve and engage with our communities.”
