Queen’s Commendation for Bravery 2007
Simon Peter FORD, Police Constable, Hampshire Constabulary
Steven Ronald BOWEN, Police Sergeant, Hampshire Constabulary
For their actions in attempting to prevent a man from setting fire to himself.
In October 2006 Constable Ford answered a call about a man threatening to set fire to himself. On arrival, he found a man sitting in a car who then poured petrol over himself. Constable Ford radioed for assistance and collected a fire extinguisher from his own vehicle. He returned to find that the man had lit a cigarette and was holding a lighter. Sergeant Bowen then arrived at the scene and both he and Constable Ford attempted to pull the man from his car. Constable Ford and Sergeant Bowen were by now both covered in petrol and the man ignited his clothes. There was an explosion followed by a fire ball. Constable Ford took the full force in his face and was temporarily blinded while Sergeant Bowen’s arms were significantly burned. The man in the car was set ablaze and despite their injuries both officers tried to smother the flames in an attempt to save his life. The man later died in hospital.
Rondrick Weldon SPRINGER (deceased), Civilian
For his actions in attempting to rescue children trapped in a fire.
In July 2003 in the early hours of the morning smoke was seen coming from the windows of the living quarters of a public house in Stoke Newington, East London. There were five children aged from three to 11 in the upstairs rooms. The alarm was raised and the fire was found to be in the stairwell leading to the flat. Rondrick Springer was with others who had remained drinking in the pub after official closing. Mr Springer was immediately first through the door to the stairs and in spite of being faced with thick smoke and flames he ran upstairs to try and rescue the children. He managed to lower two children aged eight and 11 out of the first floor window but he unfortunately fell out of the window on to a bench. Mr Springer died later from his injuries. Two of the children died as well.
Eric WELLS, Police Constable, Sussex Constabulary
For rescuing two people from a burning house.
In April 2007 Constable Wells was on patrol when he saw smoke and flames coming from a house. As he approached the house he saw two women banging on a bedroom window which could not be opened. He found a stepladder, climbed it and smashed open the window, helping both women to safety. He was advised that another person was inside the property so he went inside the house. He was unable to reach the person because of the heat and smoke but instructed them on where to go in the house to be rescued. He then went outside to rescue the trapped individual but the Fire Service arrived and took over responsibility.
Peter LACHANUDIS, Doorkeeper, Northern Ireland Assembly
Ms Susan PORTER, Doorkeeper, Northern Ireland Assembly
For their actions in apprehending an intruder during a Plenary Session of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
In November 2006 Peter Lachanudis and Susan Porter were on duty as doorkeepers and were detailed to cover reception duties at the main entrance to Stormont. At about 1100 hours a man was seen defacing the portico pillar in front of the building and was challenged by a member of external security who was then threatened with a firearm. The intruder then attempted to enter the main entrance and threw a smoking bag into the lobby. Peter Lachanudis and Susan Porter confronted, overpowered and apprehended the assailant, securing the man until police arrived.
Gary WRIGHT, Explosives Officer, Metropolitan Police Service
For his actions in rendering safe two improvised explosive devices.
On 29 June 2007 Gary Wright attended the scene of a suspect vehicle at a car park in London. He was informed that the vehicle was linked to another suspect vehicle found earlier that day. He examined the vehicle and found that it contained two explosive devices made of unstable components of gas cylinders, petrol and loose metallic items designed to maximise injury on detonation. Mr Wright concluded that to use the routine remote robotic “wheel barrow” in a confined space was likely to detonate the device, generating a large engulfing fireball and potentially causing loss of life. He decided, therefore, to manually disarm the device. For two hours he worked alone inside and outside the vehicle, using hand tools to render the device safe. He eventually declared the device safe with no loss of life, injury or damage to property.
