POLICE officers across Greater Manchester could return their service medals in protest at the government's refusal to honour murdered colleague Stephen Oake.
The chairman of the Greater Manchester branch of the Police Federation, Paul Kelly, admitted such a mass protest was possible if the government failed to reconsider. He made the comment after Clive Chamberlain, the chairman of the Dorset Police Federation, vowed to return his service medals in "disgust".
Sgt Kelly said at the moment it was regarded as a personal matter for officers, but he admitted rank-and-file police could take similar action if the continuing campaign to award Dc Oake a posthumous George Cross failed.
He said: "What Clive has done is absolutely sterling. It shows a selfless commitment to his principles. I have met him many times and he's totally committed to the police service and he was very proud of his medals. They aren't given easily in Britain.
"It is notable that this government has not given one posthumous award to a police officer while the previous administration handed out 14."
Outrage
Dc Oake, a father of three from Poynton, was stabbed to death by terrorist Kamel Bourgass during a raid at a house in Crumpsall, Manchester, in 2003.
Earlier this year, there was outrage when the officer was denied a posthumous George Cross for his bravery.
An application by Greater Manchester's Chief Constable Michael Todd was turned down by a government-appointed committee which questioned whether his act was "greater than the call of duty".
Writing in the Police Federation magazine, Police, Pc Chamberlain said he intended to return his medals to Tony Blair.
He said he "no longer feels proud" to wear his Long Service or Jubilee medals. He said: "The failure of this government to truly recognise Stephen's bravery is an insult to him, his family, friends and colleagues.
"It demonstrates a complete lack of understanding for what he gave and I believe those responsible for the decision should be named. This is a gross injustice and it is clear that there is no willingness to reconsider.
"I know that I will no longer feel proud or comfortable wearing my Long Service or Jubilee Medals and so have decided to send them to the Prime Minister as a mark of my disgust."
Should Stephen Oake have been honoured by the government? Have your say.
Tweet
PAB, Manchester (06/11/2006 at 13:26)
My mother who is 83 wishes to have my fathers medals which he wore before dying of cancer in 1996 given from me to Tony Blair as a family pledge to Stephen Oake of duty beyond that of a none combatant.
In being a post graduate researcher myself I had thought of presenting to the BBC the plethora of medals as a protest of one of its own as a media tool.
One is now in a situation that is none warfare, that is uncharted territory for many uniformed none armed, none military services. It could happen to any one of those individuals, and it did.
I think that the role of the award of the same medal as others who had signified risk beyond that expected is enough for Stephen Oake on his death.
To be a war hero one is often dead, or very badly injured. War came to Manchester disguised as 'normal' events which later came to be a risk of biological warfare. If my dad could diffuse wartime devices and paid the price, as did others then the price of one policemans life doing the same in civi street has to be higher.
Why?
Because when my dad was in bomb disposal he knew the risks and the device, it was not a human he was challenging without backup or knowledge.
Therefore as I see it as a scientist if we are to have those who go beyond the call of duty and die because of the arena of war in the streets of urban cities in UK, we have to make a special case.
Why?
Because as my US friends say, this is uncharted waters where there are risks that are in the political party psyche. That is why Stephen Oake died. An army unit might have been to late if biological material had been released. The loss of life over one single man in uniform has to be added, whatever social structure he is at.
I said months ago I would give the medals worn only on remembrance day back when this debate started, and most know I mean what I say. They are bits of metal that were awarded in action, that is what we are stating. IN ACTION.
That sums up the criteria for the highest award, and so on reflection it covers the criteria for the award for preventing a terrorist from exposing harm to the majority in an unknown risk situation.
I cite my course Integrated health, safety and environmental management at post grad level in Environmental Decision making module as to risk. Perhaps the men who ruled against the award should study the case histories and relevance and change to the 21st century of homeland security hero's? The poppy must include this category as to valour in uniform and sacrifice of life so others might live.