Senior Sergeant Greg Paul who oversees the Police Search and Rescue Squad provided an excellent address to explain the challenges faced daily by members of his 20 member strong squad. A career officer for 35 years, he described particularly the challenges for his officers, who are all trained divers, as they attend one of the 517 incidents they were called to in this past year. That’s almost 2 each day.
The challenges both mentally and physically as they search murky dams and creeks for evidence, stolen goods and sadly people as their gloved hands become substitutes for their eyes were evident as Greg described the tasks they undertake.
The human tragedies were the hardest for his members when they were called upon to find missing swimmers at family outings or fishermen washed off rocks. The emotions of the family members and friends evident as these officers went about their harrowing work was particularly challenging for his members.
We were very fortunate to have an officer of Greg’s experience and dedication shine a light on this important Victoria Police division.
Thanks Bob for your summary.
