As Wangaratta police’s Leading Senior Constable Belinda Morrison was tasked with promoting the local force at a recent Katamatite school fete, she couldn’t help but feel short-handed in ways she could engage with her crowd.

Close by Paddy the Platypus of VICSES gave high-fives all round and the local CFA brought out the fire hose, which always makes a splash with the kids.

Led Sen Const Morrison then realised stickers weren’t going to cut it and so she formed an idea.

She tasked the Wangaratta District Men’s Shed in constructing a new vehicle to add to the Wangaratta fleet, but with a special touch.

In light of recent events at Porepunkah on 26 August which led to the deaths of beloved Wangaratta detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de-Waart-Hottart, there had yet to have been a formal permanent memorial built in their memory.

Two months later, the men’s shed rolled into the Wangaratta Police Station with its newest addition, a mini divvy van, to be affectionately known as 'Junior'.

Led Sen Const Morrison said she wanted to do something to keep the memory of Det Led Sen Const Thompson alive, not only for those who served alongside him, but for the generations coming forward.

“Policing is a really tough job sometimes, we do it because we are passionate about serving our communities,” she said.

“Neal gave his life serving a community he loved; we all give some - he gave all.

“His sacrifice should never be forgotten.”

Affixed with the ‘Thomo’ number plate, the mini divvy van is fitted with all of the police essentials, from flashing red and blue lights to radio communications, a speedometre and a holding cell with handcuffs.

Led Sen Const Morrison said the van would be a fantastic resource for community events and thanked the enthusiasm and willingness of the men’s shed in constructing it.

“It gives opportunity for positive engagement with parents and caregivers on a range of topics, including crime prevention, safety, home and personal security, cyber awareness and bullying while their kids get to have a positive, fun interaction with the police at the same time,” she said.

The mini police van will be given its first run at Myrtleford for the North East Emergency Services Expo this Saturday, and it’s sure to be a hit.

Led Sen Const Morrison thanked SignPro and Wangaratta Bunnings for their contributions to the project.