Police Officer Meets Protester in Unexpected Reunion

0:00In Sydney today, March 11th, Marcus Pierce had a surprising find while browsing a bookstore in Signet. He spotted photos of himself as a 19-year-old police officer in a book about the Franklin River blockade. That event was a major environmental protest more than 40 years ago. Pierce bought the book, confirmed it was him, and reached out to the author, Ian Wright. The Franklin River blockade started in December 1982. He was fought to stop a hydroelectric dam that would flood the river and nearby wilderness in Tasmania. It drew national attention and led to over-assign 250 arrests for trespassing. The campaign succeeded in halting the project, marking it as a key win for Australian environmentalism. Wright, the photographer and author, joined the blockade in late February, 1983. He took hundreds of photos over two weeks, got arrested himself, and documented everything from interviews to his own bail notice. In retirement, he published the book with his contact info, hoping for connections from

1:02that era. Pierce, a young officer then, was stationed near the action after missing a preferred posting. He helped arrest protesters, including Wright, during the mass events. Though Pierce does not recall that specific arrest, photos show him interacting with the group amid the chaos. Both men now reflect on a different time in policing and protest. Doctors handle crowds without guns or spray, using limited radios. Pierce called it an adventure, while Wright remembers the positive mood even on the bus to jail. Their unexpected reunion highlights the lasting impact of those blockade days. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor, Link in the description. Some travel miles to find peace. I just climb into bed and listen. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com