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06/01/2009
Murdered Officer Receives Posthumous Bravery Award
A police officer who died trying to restrain a terror suspect has received a posthumous award for bravery.
Detective Constable Stephen Oake, of Greater Manchester Police, was stabbed to death by Kamel Bourgass at a flat in Crumpsall, Manchester, in January 2003.
The 40-year-old received the Queen's Gallantry Medal for bravery following calls from former colleagues and politicians for his courage to be recognised.
The award is granted for gallantry of an exceptional order. It is one of the Bravery Awards in the honours system that recognises selfless, brave acts undertaken in the prevention of crime or the arrest of dangerous criminals.
A Home Office committee rejected calls to award the George Cross to Mr Oake, from Poynton, Cheshire, in 2006.
Bourgass, who had been arrested on suspicion of terrorism, repeatedly stabbed Det Con Oake in a frenzied attack.
He was sentenced to 22 years in prison on 29 June 2004 for murdering Stephen and attempting to murder three other GMP officers.
In a statement, Stephen's wife Lesley welcomed the award, saying: "This is great news. Both myself and the children and indeed, the wider family, are delighted to learn of the news that our much-loved 'Steve' has been honoured in this way.
"Steve's actions on that fateful day in January 2003 were typical of a man who was committed to his job and to his colleagues. We are extremely proud that his sacrificial act of bravery has resulted in this prestigious award.
"We accept this award not only on behalf of Steve but in recognition too, of the bravery of the many officers that were involved on that day."
GMP's Chief Constable, Peter Fahy also said: "These awards are only given out in exceptional circumstances and the whole force is pleased that Stephen's great bravery has been recognised in this way.
"The public of Greater Manchester and his colleagues have always supported Stephen being given an award to recognise the great sacrifice he made as part of the national effort against the threat of terrorism.
"We are especially pleased for Stephen's family who have faced the most traumatic of circumstances with great dignity and forbearance."
(JM/KMcA)
Detective Constable Stephen Oake, of Greater Manchester Police, was stabbed to death by Kamel Bourgass at a flat in Crumpsall, Manchester, in January 2003.
The 40-year-old received the Queen's Gallantry Medal for bravery following calls from former colleagues and politicians for his courage to be recognised.
The award is granted for gallantry of an exceptional order. It is one of the Bravery Awards in the honours system that recognises selfless, brave acts undertaken in the prevention of crime or the arrest of dangerous criminals.
A Home Office committee rejected calls to award the George Cross to Mr Oake, from Poynton, Cheshire, in 2006.
Bourgass, who had been arrested on suspicion of terrorism, repeatedly stabbed Det Con Oake in a frenzied attack.
He was sentenced to 22 years in prison on 29 June 2004 for murdering Stephen and attempting to murder three other GMP officers.
In a statement, Stephen's wife Lesley welcomed the award, saying: "This is great news. Both myself and the children and indeed, the wider family, are delighted to learn of the news that our much-loved 'Steve' has been honoured in this way.
"Steve's actions on that fateful day in January 2003 were typical of a man who was committed to his job and to his colleagues. We are extremely proud that his sacrificial act of bravery has resulted in this prestigious award.
"We accept this award not only on behalf of Steve but in recognition too, of the bravery of the many officers that were involved on that day."
GMP's Chief Constable, Peter Fahy also said: "These awards are only given out in exceptional circumstances and the whole force is pleased that Stephen's great bravery has been recognised in this way.
"The public of Greater Manchester and his colleagues have always supported Stephen being given an award to recognise the great sacrifice he made as part of the national effort against the threat of terrorism.
"We are especially pleased for Stephen's family who have faced the most traumatic of circumstances with great dignity and forbearance."
(JM/KMcA)
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