Derrick McManus

For over thirty years, Derrick has served as a member of the South Australia Police and during this time, he has been commended on numerous occasions for his actions and bravery in response to dangerous situations. This includes a SA Police Bravery Medal in 1989 after he and his partner wrestled a gun out of the hands of a man intent on shooting them.

He later joined the SA Police Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Group where he gained specialist skills as a sniper and diver and was trained by the military elite Special Air Services Regiment (SAS) in counter-terrorist tactics. Derrick was honoured to be a part of a strong team and understood the dangers associated with the job, including the tough situations he would be exposed to such as siege and hostage situations, high-risk arrests and cliff and cave rescues.

In 1994, Derrick was involved in one of Australia’s longest sieges with the incident lasting over forty hours and a total of 2000 ammunition rounds exchanged between the offender and the police. During the siege, he was shot fourteen times in less than five seconds and suffered from many broken bones and severed arteries. For three hours, he laid on the ground bleeding before being rescued and treated.

It was expected that after such a traumatic event, Derrick would suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and would require psychological therapy for decades. However, just three months after the shooting, he defied all odds and was psychologically cleared to go back to full duties by the Director of the Adelaide Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies, an international expert in traumatic stress.

After choosing to return as an active member to the STAR division, Derrick proactively prepared himself physically, mentally and emotionally for the challenges he would soon face, taking responsibility for his actions and for all possible consequences. 

Three years after the shooting, Derrick was appointed as Ambassador to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service after having received 24 units of blood and blood products following the siege.

His determination and strength amazed doctors, with his spirit and willpower equipping him with the skills needed to overcome the challenges and adversity he was to face in the future.

Derrick’s story is one of durability and determination. 

He has over twenty years of experience as a speaker and trainer on the international speaking circuit and has presented to audiences of all shapes and sizes, including primary school students, team leaders, executives and retirees. Captivating his audiences with his inspiring life story, Derrick leaves them feeling as if they can overcome adversity in their personal lives. He provides the insights and the tools to go beyond resilience to durability, helping audiences create greater success in their personal lives, staff and organization. Every individual in the audience is captivated by Derrick’s story and take away both personal and professional characteristics they can apply to their lives.