Cleo Smith found: Chris Dawson’s meeting with rescued girl

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson has described the beautiful moment he met little Cleo Smith and saw her back in her mother’s arms for the first time in 18 days.

Mr Dawson visited the family’s home on Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by the Taskforce Rodia family liaison officer.

In an exclusive interview with The West Australian, Mr Dawson said it was a privilege to meet the brave four-year-old.

“It was an absolute privilege to just be able to see Cleo in mum’s arms,” he said.

“(Her disappearance) was a massive ordeal for the family.

“But for the moment they are doing as well as expected — they are just kissing each other — it was a beautiful opportunity just to reinforce to the family that we will walk with them and continue to be with them.”

Mr Dawson again commended Taskforce Rodia and the team that found Cleo — led by Det. Sen. Sgt Cameron Blaine.

“I’m sure he (Sen. Sgt Blaine) feels like me — just privileged that we could be a part of Cleo’s rescue,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful outcome out of a bad situation.”

The home visit lasted less than 10 minutes, with Mr Dawson saying the emotionally-charged family needed some well-deserved rest.

“They’re all understandably very, very tired,” he said.

“So look they’ll need to have the rest, which they absolutely deserve.”