HM The Queen’s Commendation for Bravery

HM The Queen’s Commendation for Bravery award marks specific acts of gallantry shown during non-active operations

Queen’s Commendation Honours the Bravery of PC Jon Henry

Press Release: 3 July 2014

At a special ceremony held at Luton Town Hall, a posthumous award of The Queen’s Commendation for Bravery was made to the family of Police Constable Jon Henry, who was killed while on duty in Luton in 2007. The Queen's Commendation is a bravery award where the circumstances merit national recognition.

Those present included Mary Henry, widow of Jon Henry, and her daughter Maggie (aged 8), together with other family and friends.

HM Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, led the group of dignitaries which included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Colin Osborne; the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire, Colette Paul, Ray Reed, representing the Police Federation and His Worship the Mayor of Luton, Cllr Mohammed Farooq.

In June 2007 PC Henry and other officers were called to Luton Town Centre following the report of a stabbing, which turned out to have been a random attack by a man on a window cleaner. PC Henry was stabbed as he tried to arrest the man, who was eventually overpowered and taken into custody. PC Henry was taken to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital but later died of his injuries.

In 2008 the Police Memorial Trust erected a stone memorial to PC Henry in George Street, Luton, the unveiling of which was attended by then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. The man was later convicted of murder in 2009 and sentenced to life imprisonment.

At the ceremony in the Town Hall the Lord Lieutenant presented the bravery award to PC Jon Henry’s daughter Maggie, at Mary Henry’s request.

Speaking afterwards, the Lord Lieutenant said “It was a great privilege to present Mary Henry and Maggie with the Queen's Commendation for Bravery on behalf of HM The Queen. PC Henry attempted to apprehend an armed suspect in order to protect the public and paid the ultimate price. He demonstrated extreme bravery and he will remain in the hearts of our community as a courageous and noble man”.

The Chief Constable, Colette Paul, said: “Today is so important to not just me but to all of Bedfordshire Police, and seeing our guests here today, it reinforces that Jon was a very special part of many peoples’ lives, and Her Majesty’s recognition of his bravery in the face of grave danger is a fitting tribute to somebody who I remain immensely proud of”.

The presentation of the Award took place on the 3 July 2014 at Luton Town Hall.

View the photographs taken during the presentation (link opens in new window)

Download the Press Release of the Commendation

Read the article published in the Luton News 10 July 2014

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