Bill Kerr's Dignitary Protection: A Life of Service

0:00In Sydney, it's March 10th, and here's what is going on. 86-year-old Bill Curse been decades in the New South Wales Police Special Branch, protecting visiting royals, presidents, and other. Dignitaries during their trips to Australia, unlike regular officers, he got up close and personal with these leaders. Now living in a nursing home in Central West New South Wales, the home has created a special badge to honor his remarkable service. One standout moment came in 1978, when a bomb exploded outside Sydney's Hilton Hotel during a big Commonwealth meeting. Bill helped rush Singapore's president to safety after garbage collectors triggered the device around 2.30 in the morning. He also got a peek at future vice president Nelson Rockefeller's luggage back when he was New York's governor. Two big suitcases packed with rose wine. That he tried to sneak in. To his family, Bill's job seemed totally normal. His son Darren says they would spot him in the background of TV footage, or newspapers, wearing sunglasses near famous guests, but took it for granted.

1:03Just like a kid of a movie star might. At home, he was a typical dad who just wanted his three kids to be happy and do their best. The nursing home's head chef has grown close to Bill and calls his story one of many inspiring tales from residents earlier eras. That badge stands in for a police medal he earned in 2017, now on display in a Canberra Museum. After retiring, Bill worked as an insurance investigator in Muggie and still lives there with his wife Janice whom he met over 70 years ago. His kids credit his low-pressure parenting for their successful lives. D&N is brought to you by our sponsor. If sleep podcasts are your thing, this is your pillow, built for comfort and calm, so L.I. SoleyPillow.com