While Viv was clocking off for the afternoon, Max was walking in for his third shift at the station, marking the first time the duo had seen each other at changeover.
Now in his 16th training week of 25 at the police academy, Max began placement in his home town this week, bringing a long-held goal to life.
“It’s always been something I wanted to do. Mum has helped me out a fair bit,” he said.
Previously in retail, Viv has been a Victoria Police member for six years, and has worked in Echuca for the past two and a half.
She was able to witness Max get sworn in as a constable last month, and said seeing her son join the force was “very exciting”.
“Hopefully when he graduates, I can present him with his badge and everything back down at the academy. Not everybody gets to do that,” Viv said.
On Wednesday, Max was heading out for his first shift in the van, which sees police respond to callouts and conduct proactive patrols.
He plans on working in Melbourne as an officer after graduating from the academy, but may return to Echuca later in life for a role in country policing.
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