Tributes and award mark anniversary of PC’s death

A Hertfordshire Constabulary officer was given an award by a local council as the force led tributes on the 25th anniversary of an officer’s death.

PC Frank Mason died on April 14, 1988, after intervening to prevent an armed robbery he witnessed when walking his dog while off-duty in Hemel Hempstead. He was shot in the back attempting to tackle the gunmen and while his efforts allowed a security guard to get to safety, he died of his injuries sustained in trying to apprehend the criminals.

James Hurley, Charles McGhee and Perry Wharrie were convicted of PC Mason’s murder. After escaping from a prison van in 1994, Mr Hurley was recaptured in Holland in 2007, before being extradited back to the UK.

A commemoration service was attended by PC Mason’s family, former colleagues, other members of the emergency services and local politicians, including Hemel Hempstead Mayor Bert Chapman and Mike Penning MP.

Dacorum Borough Council leaders also came to present the PC Frank Mason Memorial Award, given each year to an officer showing similar dedication to the service, which this year was presented to PC Steve Roughton, an intervention officer based in Hemel Hempstead.

The commemoration followed a presentation held at Hemel Hempstead police station, where PC Mason’s widow, Jill Neaves, presented the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, posthumously awarded to the officer in November 1989, to the station.

During the memorial, Hertfordshire Constabulary Chief Constable Andy Bliss led the tributes to PC Mason.

He said: “The events in Hemel Hempstead over two decades ago are a reminder to us all that it is not the uniform that makes a truly outstanding police officer, it is the instinctive sense of the person themself to do the right thing regardless of the circumstances that are faced with.

“During what was clearly a very fast-moving and frightening situation, Francis quickly assessed what needed to be done and bravely tackled the gunman without any thought for his own safety. The word ‘hero’ is often somewhat casually used. Here there can be no doubt – Francis was a hero.”

David Lloyd, police and crime commissioner for Hertfordshire, also praised the bravery of PC Mason, saying his off-duty actions reflected on his dedication to the service.

“If Frank were here, he’d be celebrating the year in which he would have retired,” he said.

“In many years to come people will still be here reflecting on his memory.”

PC Roughton, who joined the police service in 2008 after serving four years as a special constable, spoke of his pride at winning the prestigious award.

He said: “I am honoured to receive this award. It was an honour just to be nominated, let alone be chosen to win it. Thank you to my team and the sergeants. It’s they who have moulded me and put me where I am today.”

Ms Neaves thanked the police service and council for their support, adding the commemoration service and award shows PC Mason’s legacy continues to live on.

“I will always be very proud of Francis and to see that, 25 years after losing him, he is still remembered shows that I was not the only one to think that he was an amazing person,” she said.

“I think it is important to remember that Francis did more than try to stop a bank robbery, he saved a life that day by allowing the security guard to get to safety. Many lives were changed that day forever.

“His colleagues have always honoured his memory and the Frank Mason award is given every year to a police officer who, like Francis, has been extraordinary and made a difference.”