Tony Loughran
Tony Loughran embarked on an extraordinary journey that led them from a humble beginning to a distinguished career in high-risk security and counter-terrorism. At the age of 18, devoid of qualifications, they ventured out from their home and enlisted in the Navy. Over the course of several years, they diligently trained to become a ships medic, eventually achieving the status of a ship's doctor. Their dedication and proficiency in this role were further acknowledged with a prestigious top medic student prize.
However, their path took a more intense turn when they were selected to participate in the gruelling Commando Course, an honour that culminated in them earning the coveted Green Beret and Commando Medal. They embarked on various tours of duty in conflict zones, demonstrating exceptional bravery during one incident that earned them a Commendation for Bravery, where they protected their fellow Marines under heavy fire.
Their courage extended beyond military service, as evidenced by their 1997 Metropolitan Police Chief Commendation for Bravery, following a confrontation with an armed burglar at their London home. Subsequently, they shifted their focus to medical support and counter-terrorism on gas and oil platforms.
Their expertise did not go unnoticed, as they were recruited by the BBC to join their specialist high-risk safety advisory team. Over a decade, they worked as a high-risk security advisor on terrorist-related news assignments, even serving as an expert witness in court cases involving failed stunts.
In 2003, they relocated to Australia and founded ZeroRisk International, a high-risk security company. They emerged as a prominent subject matter expert in high-risk security, global travel, and counter-terrorism, regularly appearing on major news networks worldwide. They contributed significantly to the field, developing international travel guidelines, corporate policies, and specialized high-risk training for both media and business travellers. Their groundbreaking creation, the Security Travel App (SecApp), played a vital role in evacuating refugees from Afghanistan during the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Their remarkable journey from a young recruit to a global high-risk security expert is a testament to their unwavering commitment and resilience.