When Daniel Morcombe was abducted from under the Kiel Mountain Road overpass on 7 December 2003 the nation was shocked, as was I.
We held our breath as we waited for him to be returned to his parents, his twin, his family.
At the time I was a single twenty-something with a promising career in mining. In twenty-four days I would meet Bearhands and I’d find myself re-plotting my career path.
This change of tack would see me interviewing for a temporary administrative position with the Queensland Police Service by February 2005.
When I fronted up for my first day of work I learned that the interviewing panel had decided that my research background made me the right candidate to place into Operation Bravo Vista - the ongoing investigation into Daniel’s disappearance. I stepped through the door into the Major Incident Room and found walls filled with terrible stories about awful human beings and the desks attended by some of the most wonderful people I’ve met.
Put simply, I had no idea the darkness that humans are capable of until I stepped into that room. Mum will tell you that I phoned her after finishing my first day and said “We’ve lead very sheltered lives”.
I stayed working in that windowless room long after we bought the farm. Looking for Daniel became a vocation, each new Crime Stopper report was treated with the same reverence as the first. Would this be the piece of the puzzle we were missing?
It was only after the Big Sister was born that I realised I couldn’t return to the QPS. It was a hard decision to leave, I’ve never before experienced a job with such purpose. Years after my resignation the tireless work of the Op Vista team would culminate in the arrest and conviction of an offender for Daniel’s abduction and murder. I simultaneously laughed and cried when the arresting officer called and told me the news. We were all so invested in finding justice for Daniel.
Last week, Assistant Commissioner Condon assembled some of the Op Vista team to be recognised for their contributions and I was honoured to be among them.
Now to hang it next to the award presented to me for my current role; my "good mums have sticky floors, messy kitchens, piles of laundry, dirty ovens and happy kids" sign.
Kirsty Rice says
Speechless. I'm so glad you got the award and equally as fascinated with what your job must have entailed and how incredible the detective work was - but I so wish Operation Bravo Vista wouldn't have ever had to happen. xxx
Amanda Smyth says
Me too Kirsty.
Sara | Kid Magazine says
Thank you for the reminder of all the people who work so tirelessly to bring justice in our society. Xx
Amanda Smyth says
It takes a special kind of person to be a police officer Sara. I know I couldn't do it. 🙂
All Around Oz says
Congratulations Amanda! That would have been an extremely difficult job to do but one that you will be able to look back on and be very proud of your contribution.
Amanda Smyth says
Thanks Melissa. I am. x
deb dane says
Congratulations. Such a hard job, but soul filling work.
Robyna May says
Congratulations. I am so happy that you were recognised. Soul heartening and soul destroying work at the same time I would imagine.
Amanda Smyth says
You're so right Robyna. x
Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel says
Oh well done, I had no idea. That was a wonderful, deeply menaingful piece of work in your life and it's so good that the killer was brought to justice finally. Very proud of our Aussie police force and of you too. Good on you. Hugs xx
Amanda Smyth says
Thanks Seana x
Ness says
Congratulations, Amanda. Whenever there dark things happen it's good to remember people like yourself and others also exist, doing this kind of work.