THANKS SARG: Port Douglas Police chief just weeks away from stumps after distinguished 35 year career

WELL DONE

Michael Warren

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Port Douglas Police Chief Damian Meadows is due to retire from the Service in a number of weeks. Picture: Newsport

After 35 years in the Force, Port Douglas Police Chief Damian Meadows will call it a day on August 26 as he transitions into his role as a Douglas Shire Councillor. Newsport editor Michael Warren chatted with him ahead of his final days in the blue uniform.

MW: Sarg, 35 years of memories, 19 years in Port Douglas, on August 26 you’ll wrap up a stellar career in law enforcement, what memories, stories, stand out over the journey?

DM: It always boils back down to one thing – saving a life is something I’ll always treasure. I remember diving into the Nerang River and pulling someone out of a submerged car in the early 1990s.

You remember those ones. Then there’s the cases where I vividly recall where I sat down with people over the years who were very despondent at the time, potentially suicidal, talking to them and trying to change their mindsets.

To be able to make a difference, albeit a small one, is the exact reason you become a Police Officer. So being able to save a life, as I’ve described, is the pinnacle of that.

MW: What have proved the more baffling, fascinating cases throughout your career?

DM: Obviously the early days of the Toyah Cordingley investigation, I was involved with that right from the start. With that serious case there were a range of avenues of enquiry that needed to be run out and investigated.

Another that sticks out was and is the Daniel Morcombe case – that was a massive state-wide investigation.

At the time we used an intelligence machine to narrow down and comprehensively sift through the large volume of tips received from the public.

MW: What will you miss about the role?

DM: It sounds cliché, but I’ll miss the people. When you come to work and you’re doing your patrols the person sitting beside you almost becomes like family. You build very deep bonds, mateship and friendships in this line of work – that can be very empowering.

MW: Sarg, do you have a final, lasting message to the residents of the Douglas Shire?

DM: I’ve been in the Douglas Shire for 19 years. The people here are just wonderful.

Local Officers including myself have been very fortunate to enjoy the support of the community. I’d say to community members to please continue that level support for the next Sergeant who assumes this role.

The amount of intelligence we receive from the public is phenomenal – make sure you put your faith in the troops that will continue to serve and protect the region. I thank everyone, I’ve certainly appreciated the last 19 years.

 

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