Queen's Commendations For Bravery

Mon, 12 January 2009 Courtesy of: West Mercia Constabulary

Fallen officer Richard Gray and colleague Mat Crisp have been awarded Queen's Commendations For Bravery.

Shropshire officer PC Gray was killed on duty in May 2007 in Shrewsbury. PC Mat Crisp was also on duty at the incident when Ricky was shot by Peter Medlicott. Both men were also honoured for their actions at The Sun Police Bravery Awards in London last July.

A memorial service was held at St Chad's, Shrewsbury, in honour of Ricky in September 2008 and sporty colleagues also remembered Ricky with a memorial football match at Shrewsbury Town's football ground last May. The event raised more than £6,000 for the Royal Star and Garter Home and the RNLI.

British Honours are awarded on merit for exceptional gallantry, achievement or service. Her Majesty the Queen chooses the recipients on the advice of the Prime Minister, who in turn receives nominations for honours from government departments and from members of the public.

The Queens Commendation for Bravery award will be presented to Ricky's widow Mrs Jenny Lee-Gray and Constable Mat Crisp by the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire in the near future.

Chief Constable of West Mercia Constabulary Paul West said: "It is very fitting that the commitment and dedication to public service demonstrated by Ricky and Mat has been honoured and recognised in this very special way. Their bravery in putting themselves in the way of harm to protect members of the public and their colleagues was truly outstanding and completely selfless.

Regrettably, the honour bestowed on Ricky and Mat will inevitably be tinged with great sadness for Ricky's family and his many friends and colleagues within the police service and beyond. None of us who knew Ricky will ever forget his heroism and ultimate sacrifice."

Con Mat Crisp said: "It was a big shock to find out about the award. I am very honoured and proud to receive such a prestigious award."

Mrs Lee-Gray said: "Ricky's actions on that day are typical of the man he was. I am honoured and immensely proud to accept such a distinguished award on his behalf."