27 November 2007
The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve, for publication in The London Gazette, the names shown below as having received an expression of Commendation for Bravery.
The George Medal
Michael Liam Brady Miller (deceased)
Jeffrey Richard Tristan Wornham (deceased)
Queen’s Gallantry Medal
Angus John Campbell
Anthony Crompton
Queen’s Commendations for Bravery
Steven Ronald Bowen
Simon Peter Ford
Peter Lachanudis
Ms Susan Porter
Rondrick Weldon Springer (deceased)
Eric Wells
Notes for Editors
Further information about the Commendations can be obtained as follows:
CAMPBELL, WORNHAM and MILLER - Press Office, Department for Community and Local Government. (Tel: 020 7944 4315)
WELLS, FORD and BOWEN - Press Office, Home Office (Tel: 020 7035 0385)
LACHANUDIS and PORTER - Press Office, Northern Ireland Executive (Tel: 02890 528162)
SPRINGER - Press Office, Ministry of Justice (Tel: 020 7210 8644)
CROMPTON - Press Office, Ceremonial Secretariat (Tel: 020 7276 1196)
The George Medal
Jeffrey Richard Tristan WORNHAM (deceased), Firefighter, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Michael Liam Brady MILLER (deceased), Firefighter, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service).
For their actions in attempting to rescue people trapped in a fire.
In February 2005 in the early hours of the morning a fire was reported on the 14th floor of a block of flats in Stevenage. Reports received indicated that people may have been trapped. Firefighters Jeffrey Wornham and Michael Miller were part of the initial attendance and went aloft to assess the situation which was serious. Colleagues prepared the equipment and water needed to enter the premises but before these were ready cries for help were heard from inside the flat. The two firefighters decided to proceed even though they did not at that stage have the proper equipment with them. One man was rescued and he indicated that his girlfriend was still in the flat. Both firefighters re-entered the flat to search for the second person. By then the conditions were deteriorating rapidly with intense heat and zero visibility. While attempting the second rescue the fire intensified and Jeffrey Wornham, Michael Miller and the occupant of the flat were engulfed by flames and as a consequence died.
Queens Gallantry Medal
Anthony CROMPTON, Civilian.
For his actions tackling two men trying to rob a garage in Skelmersdale, Lancashire
In October 2005, at about 2100 hours, two men entered a garage, both wearing masks. The shop was staffed by two female assistants. One woman was bundled to the floor, held down and threatened with a knife. The second man brandished a handgun and ran behind the counter, confronted the other woman and helped himself to money stored under the counter. Anthony Crompton then entered the premises, having seen the attack through the window. He closed the door behind him and ran at the first suspect who was wielding the knife and pulled him off the woman. A fight ensued. The second man realised what was happening and ran to his accomplice, striking Mr Crompton on his head with the handgun but he continued to fight on, in spite of being stabbed. Some of the stolen money was dropped and the masks were removed from the men but the suspects ran off. Mr Crompton chased after them but stopped when he realised that he was badly injured.
Angus John CAMPBELL, Watch Manager, London Fire Brigade.
For his actions on an underground train in a failed terrorist attack in London.
At lunchtime on 21 July 2005 Angus Campbell who was off duty, was travelling to work on the Northern Line of the London Underground when a passenger who was in the same carriage tried to detonate an explosive device contained in a rucksack. The improvised device failed fully to explode but caused a loud bang and smoke and a black chemical substance seeped out onto the carriage floor. Whilst the train was still travelling between stations Mr Campbell organised the evacuation of passengers into adjacent carriages, including a screaming woman with a child. He then pulled the emergency cord and informed the driver of the explosion. Mr Campbell remained in the carriage with the terrorist, engaged him in conversation and asked him to lie on the floor. He also asked the driver not to open the carriage doors at the next stop. Unfortunately on arriving at the station the doors opened and the suspect ran off but was detained later.
Queens Commendation for Bravery
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.
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.
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.
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.
delicious
digg
facebook
