DC Stephen Oake

The decision not to posthumous award DC Stephen Oake The George Cross is an absolute disgrace.

Police officers, the press and members of the public are for once singing from the same hymn sheet.

We live in a day and age that medals, knighthoods, and gongs are given out to all and sundry for paltry reasons.

Surely DC Oake's bravery deserves to be recognised.

Manchester Online has an excellent article quoting DC Oake's father.

As the government faced mounting anger over its decision not to award the brave detective constable a posthumous George Cross, or indeed any other gallantry medal, his family responded to the snub with calm dignity.

His father Robin said: "He would not have wanted any recognition, he was doing it for his colleagues." He added: "Certainly his bravery needed some recognition and he got that of course at the Old Bailey trial. "At the end of the day, as a Christian man, Steve's reward is in heaven."

To read the full article click Medal fury: The family responds

Feelings are running high in the police forum, to read the thread click No George Cross for DC Stephen Oake.

Paul Kelly, chairman of the Greater Manchester Police Federation, told the Daily Mail: "If - as I believe - the Prime Minister is aware of this decision and concurs with it, then he has let down Stephen, his family, my colleagues and every law enforcement officer in the country. He threw himself into extreme danger when he could have stepped aside and waited for back-up. He is a true hero and I am sickened by this decision."

Other reports on this diabolical decision.
DC Stephen Oake
Gallantry Award Veto Angers Police
Anger as murdered Pc is rejected for George Cross
No medal for policeman killed by al-Qaeda
Gallantry award veto angers police
No gong for heroic cop
Slain officer's award snub an "insult"
Murdered policeman 'not courageous enough' for bravery award