Sergeant Damian Bidgood recognised with Search and Rescue Award

Tasmania Police Media Release, 30 October 2023:

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.” 

Damian is the son of Anthony (Tony) Charles Bidgood OAM. He was awarded the OAM in 2008 in recognition of his service to the community, particularly to the Tasmania Police Pipe Band and through a range of ex-service organisations.