Episode 96: Damian Bidgood (Tasmania Police - retired)

The interview guest in this episode is Damian Bidgood, a former Sergeant in the Tasmanian Police force. Damian’s career in Tasmania Police spanned 32 years and for much of that period he was a member the force’s Marine Rescue division and was involved in a great many rescue missions for persons in distress situations at sea. Last year he was the recipient of  the 2022/23 Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s National Search and Rescue (NATSAR) Award for Long-Standing Contribution to Search and Rescue. You will hear Damian talk of his earlier period as a driver in the army  and driver of Commonwealth cars, before joining Tasmania Police and going through a rigorous training program to become a police diver. Among other things, you will also hear him relate the stories around several particularly memorable rescue events that he was involved in during his time in the force.