Tasmania Police’s Sergeant Damian Bidgood was recognised in the National Search and Rescue (NATSAR) Awards last night, receiving the Long-Standing Contribution Award. 

Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood said the NATSAR Awards are part of the National Search and Rescue Council meeting which is being hosted in Tasmania this week – a significant annual event in the Search and Rescue world. 

“Not only did Tasmania Police have the honour of hosting the National Search and Rescue (NATSAR) Awards in Hobart last night – one of our own – Sergeant Damian Bidgood, was recognised with the Long-Standing Contribution Award,” said Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood. 

“Sergeant Bidgood has dedicated over 30 years to search and rescue in Tasmania with unwavering dedication, passion, and selflessness.

“He has a wealth of qualifications and expertise in the search and rescue field including police diver, dive supervisor, land squad member, search coordinator, rope access and rescue trainer/assessor, swift water rescue technician, boat operator, and air crewman and chief.

“Sergeant Bidgood has a well-known reputation for finding lost people due to his determination, wealth of knowledge of the Tasmanian coastline and wilderness, and bush/navigation skills. 

“Over his 30-plus year career in search and rescue, he has amassed a significant number of successful rescues, and saved countless lives.  

“On behalf of Tasmania Police, I congratulate Sergeant Bidgood on his well-deserved NATSAR Award, and as he plans to head to retirement later this year, I sincerely thank him for his unwavering commitment to search and rescue and saving lives.”