Sirens blazing as cops n kids make their way to Ballarat

Now in its 21^st year, the initiative was co-founded by former Ballarat policeman John “Bones” Moloney, and aims to support children with cancer and their families.

Police officers gave children a ride to Ballarat Airport with lights and sirens activated on Saturday morning, showing them what it’s like to be out on a job.

“All the money in the world can’t give the kids that thrill, I can tell you,” Mr Moloney said.

“Sadly, these children are not well, but we can put smiles on their faces, and these are memories they remember for the rest of their lives.

“The idea of the weekend is to give families with seriously ill children some respite from their everyday anxiety.

“From 1996’s first camp of 16 children, we have grown to accommodate around 75 children each year.

"Local police officers take time out to attend the camp over four days, giving a special thrill for the kids to hang out with cops."

The camp is run by Victoria Police, the Royal Children’s Hospital and cancer charity Challenge along with Ballarat businesses, service groups and residents.

Children who travelled to Ballarat this week have been undergoing treatment at the hospital in Melbourne and were aged between 4 and 8.

The children, their carers and support staff, totaling about 140 people, stayed at Sovereign Hill Lodge.

On Saturday morning, some children bumped into serving police officer Sergeant Rick Nield, who was at Sovereign Hill on a real police job.

"Three or four children went up to him and said, 'hello policeman'," Mr Moloney said.

"It was really good, because it shows the appreciation the children have for what the police force does. 

“Kids become familiar with the police and they become great friends."

Cops n Kids is the only camp of its kind in Victoria.

For more information about the event, head to challenge.org.au/program/cops-n-kids-camp