Hertfordshire police officers and staff commended

(12th May 2006)

POLICE officers and staff from Hertfordshire Constabulary have been commended by the Metropolitan Police service for their help in dealing with the aftermath of the London bombings.

Eleven police officers and eight scenes of crime officers were presented with their commendations Tuesday (May 9th) at the Peel Centre in London by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Iain Blair.

All officers and staff were engaged entirely in body recovery and mortuary duties following the bombings on July 7th last year.

They worked tirelessly in harrowing conditions assisting with the identification of the deceased and gathering evidence at the scene of the blasts.

Chief Constable Frank Whiteley, said that the commendations were well deserved and were a reflection on the hard work, professionalism and dedication of police officers and staff within Hertfordshire Constabulary.

“These commendations are a reflection of the professionalism, dedication and hard work of our officers and staff. Dealing with the aftermath of a terrorist attack is a harrowing task. Those involved were working in horrific conditions but managed to retain their professionalism throughout. They are a credit to Hertfordshire Constabulary and it is only right that they should be commended for their efforts.”

The officers commended are:

Inspector Michael Ling

Inspector Judith Spencer

PS Colin Mann (Stevenage)

PC Richard Austin

PC Kim Halifax (Headquarters)

PC Paul Scott (Hertford)

PC Paul Beecher (St Alban’s)

PC Phil Snook (St Alban’s)

PC Tim Walker (Cheshunt)

PC Steve Tinsley (Watford)

PC Jos Bartlett (St Albans)

Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCOs):

Dave Tyrell

Alan Dobson (Eastern Area)

Ian Mc Intyre (Eastern Area)

John Hall (Western Area)

Jo Mason (Hoddesdon)

Mark Watson (Watford)

Jeff Ellis (Western Area)

Julie Fenton (Letchworth)

Inspector Judith Spencer, who helped to co-ordinate the project, named Operation Theseus, who was also commended, said: “Operation Theseus involved a number of officers and staff from Hertfordshire Constabulary. We were proud to play a small part with assisting the Met deal with the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on July 7th last year. The ceremony was a truly momentous occasion with 111 recipients receiving the awards from Sir Iain Blair.”

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