Non-Subscriber Extract
PC to return bravery medal in pay pro
By Max Blain
20 December 2007
A heroic constable wants to hand back his bravery medal because of his 'disgust' over the way police officers have been treated by the UK government in this year's pay rise.
PC Alex Challenor, of Lancashire Constabulary, was given the award in 2001 by then Home Secretary David Blunkett after he was shot at as he pursued a gang of armed robbers in a car chase through the streets of Rochdale in 1999.
But he now wants to travel to London to personally hand back his medal as a pro against Home Secretary Jacqui Smith's decision not to honour in full the pay rise for officers agreed in arbitration.
PC Challenor, an operational support officer based in Burnley, is also encouraging other officers to follow in his footsteps.
The 32-year-old told Police Review: "Getting that award was the highest honour I have ever received. But when I read the leaked letter [on the pay rise] from Jacqui Smith, I was so disgusted that I wanted some way to show the strength of my feelings.
"I have thought long and hard about my decision but I am certain it is what I want to do. I have some military medals but this one means more to me than all of them. It was highly publicised at the time so, for me, it is the best way to pro
"Of course I would like other officers to do the same - the more we get on board the better - but it has to be their decision as many of them have shed blood and tears to get their medals."
Image: PC Alex Challenor meeting Tony Blair in 2001 (Alex Challenor)