Policeman’s pride at receiving ‘very special’ memorial award

Sergeant Jeff Fusedale was recognised for displaying the selfless qualities of fallen policeman Frank Mason, who died 27 years ago this week.

He was presented with the PC Frank Mason Memorial Award by chief inspector Glen Channer at Hemel Hempstead Police Station.

Mr Fusedale said: “I am deeply humbled to receive this award.

“I’ve been in the job for 22 years and have seen many colleagues - who I have great respect for - receive the award.

“I’m really proud because it’s an award that everyone in Dacorum is aware of and because of the nature of it.

“It’s given in memory of Frank Mason. It’s a very humbling thing.”

After the presentation, officers joined members of the public and bank staff outside Barclays in the town for a memorial service to remember Frank.

In April 1988, Frank was walking his dog while off-duty when he saw a security van being held up by armed robbers outside the bank.

Frank put his life on the line to tackle the gunmen and as he attempted to make an arrest, he was shot in the back and died.

But because of Frank’s intervention, the security guard safely made it to the security van.

Mr Fusedale has been working with Herts Police for more than two decades, spending the majority of that time in Dacorum.

He works in the intervention team, which respond to emergency 999 calls.

Mr Channer said Mr Fusedale was a worthy winner of what is ‘a very special Dacorum tradition’.

He said: “It is Jeff’s commitment, dedication, professionalism and sheer hard work that merits him receiving this award.

“We sometimes forget the excellent work our sergeants carry out on a daily basis.

“Dealing with incidents, reviewing, assessing, making tough decisions as well as managing and coaching their teams, developing staff and the many other intricacies that go with assisting the public.

“Jeff has been a champion of supervising the student officers and integrating special constables into our teams – training them, developing them, ensuring they are firmly embedded as part of the team.

“He is a team player and he does this with enthusiasm, dedication and a work ethic that represents Dacorum - and importantly - the best of Hertfordshire police service.”