It was no ordinary day at school for Finn O'Donovan, aged 7, who, in the morning, received a very important mission.
The Sydney school boy has long dreamed of becoming a trail bike police officer, and today was given the rare opportunity to ride alongside the NSW Police Force.
Finn O'Donovan Source: SBS
Mr O'Donovan has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative, terminal disease which affects young boys.
DMD attacks and wears down muscles, and often sees them wheelchair-bound by their early teens.
NSW Police said they jumped at the chance to help Finn work toward his dream career, tasking him with recovering stolen Easter eggs from some evasive "baddies."
"We needed someone to save the day," Assistant Commissioner Mal Lanyon told reporters.
"When we get an opportunity to give back, particularly for a small child, you'll find the police here today couldn't wait to be here and do it for Finn."
The 7 year-old said his favourite part was "the boat ride to catch the baddies." Source: SBS
Finn was assisted by PolAir, Marine Area Command, the Dog Unit, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, State Crime Command, as well as Bankstown, Inner West and Ryde Police Area Commands. The operation culminated with successful 'arrests' at King George Park in Rozelle.
'Catch the baddies'
The 7 year-old said his favourite part was "the boat ride to catch the baddies."
Finn's mother, Rebecca O'Donovan said the look on her son's face was "priceless."
"Words can't explain how thrilled we are that Finn is given the opportunity to do what he loves best," Ms O'Donovan said.
"[Finn's] dream is to be a motor bike police officer and this is just one step in the right direction for Finn and we're so thrilled."
Those with DMD often have respiratory difficulties and a life-expectancy in the mid-20s.
Finn is part of a clinical trial of a new drug that has seen some positive improvements made in the past few months.
"It's quite a savage disease," Finn's father, Ross O'Donovan said.
"With days like this, the exposure and awareness it will achieve is next to none."
