was in the Police Service for forty-two years, serving from Police Constable to Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and was very proud to be known on retirement as the ‘Copper’s Copper’. The Police Service is in my blood. Part of that is the incredible pride I have in all those officers and staff who are serving or have served this country within the Police Service.
I served with the Metropolitan Police at the start of my police career and I finished my police career there. Since Sir Robert Peel instigated the first thousand or so officers in 1829, there have been rightly justified awards for gallantry, and surely many more that should have been so recognised, but for whatever reason or circumstance at the time were not.
This book rightly highlights the brave exploits of a few, but reflects the courage and devotion to duty of all those who served or serve today. Dick Kirby has meticulously researched this subject, speaking to recipients of these awards, or (in cases of their death or incapacity) their surviving relatives and colleagues, in order to get the most factual record possible, in addition to perusing official records of the various incidents. Indeed, during my career I not only witnessed acts of courage by those who I served alongside, but was able to both recognise and reward those individuals through commendation or recommendation for further awards.
These accounts of outstanding courage and devotion to duty start with a story from 1909, recounting the award of the first King’s Police Medal by King Edward VII. The book concludes with the courage of an individual awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, first struck in 1974. Between these accounts the book is littered with individual stories of courage resulting in the award of the George Cross, George Medal, King’s (and Queen’s) Police Medal for Gallantry, Queen’s Gallantry Medal and the British Empire Medal for Gallantry.
This book of courageous accounts of outstanding bravery should serve as an inspiration to all young officers today. Additionally though, it is a fitting tribute which should be read by a far wider audience to understand how every day officers step out on to the streets, not knowing what they may face, yet always doing their duty and protecting the public, come what may.
Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington
Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police 2000–2005