Thrissur City: Olivia Stanley and Diya Jijo, daughters of Velappaya natives Stanley Thomas and his younger brother Jijo Thomasinera, have a single dream: to become police officers. It’s a tradition for them to salute police officers on their way to school, where they study in the 4th grade at Chembukkav Holy Family School. If any officer doesn’t return the salute due to being busy on duty, it becomes the topic of discussion at home for the day. Enthusiastic about police officers from movies and news, the children often told their fathers that they wanted to visit the police station one day. Stanley and Jijo wanted to fulfill their children’s wish, but they were unsure if they could just walk into the station and how the officers might react during duty hours. This thought often led Stanley to postpone the visit.
However, when Stanley needed to go to the Medical College Police Station for a police verification certificate, the children eagerly jumped at the opportunity to visit. Initially hesitant, Stanley decided to take them along with him. Arriving at the station, the children were thrilled to meet the officers. They expressed amazement as they touched the uniform and listened to the wireless set, guided by Civil Police Officer Neetu. Senior Civil Police Officer Jose gave them a tour of the station, explaining various aspects and showing them a rifle and handcuffs, which fascinated the children. Sub-Inspector Pradeep Kumar and Assistant Sub-Inspector Shaji Varghese patiently answered all their questions.
As they left the station, the girls gave a beaming salute to the officers, declaring with a smile, “We will come back as police officers.”
