Detail in TV interview destroys Aussie cop's chance of promotion: 'What a joke'
A pair of earrings has cost one of Victoria’s finest police officers a promotion after she was spotted wearing the jewellery in a TV interview.
Leading Senior Constable Sally Fairweather was hailed a hero late last year after she rescued three people in trouble in the water at Pykes Creek Reservoir, northwest of Melbourne.
The police officer had been driving along the Western Freeway at the time on December 11 when she spotted a jet ski circling the trio. She didn’t hesitate to jump into action, pulling the two adults and young boy to safety after they’d fallen into the water.
Just weeks after the incident, it’s now been revealed that Sn Const Fairweather, who had been Acting Sergeant for the Ballan district at the time, was knocked back for the permanent role, as reported by the Herald Sun.
It allegedly follows a spat with top brass over a pair of earrings the police officer wore during interviews about the rescue and the importance of water safety heading into summer.
The publication says the jewellery was deemed not to meet the force’s strict uniform requirements and that she was spoken to by a superior.
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‘What a joke’
Outrage has since broken out on social media with many condemning the action of the Victorian police force as a “total disrespect” of Sn Const Fairweather’s rank and service.
“The Victorian Police need more people like leading Senior Constable Sally Fairweather,” one person wrote. “This officer risked her own life to save others yet the powers to be denied her a permanent promotion because of her so-called offending earrings.”
“What a joke,” another said. “Any wonder the police force is getting smaller, the good cops are leaving.”
“That is no way to treat a hero,” someone else added. “How ridiculous,” commented another.
Premier calls for common sense to prevail
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has urged the state’s police force to let “common sense prevail”, the Herald Sun reported.
“This officer is an absolute hero and I want to thank her,” he said. “I would hope common sense prevails here and the only consideration there should be is the outstanding quality of her service, her courage and her commitment to keeping Victorians safe.”
In a statement to the publication, Victorian Police said police and protective service officers were expected to abide by the uniform and appearance standards, and not wearing earrings was in line with that.
“It is not uncommon to have a conversation with someone if they are not abiding by the policy. The officer in question is no longer acting in the Sergeant position. As this is an internal matter, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further,” the statement said.
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