Staffordshire Police officer receives British Empire Medal in King’s first Birthday Honours

PC Claire Bond has been recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to women’s policing and communities in Staffordshire in the King’s first Birthday Honours List.

Claire will be presented with her medal by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian Dudson CBE KStJ, on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III at a local ceremony at a later date. Claire has also been invited to attend a Royal Garden Party.

Currently a Staffordshire Police Federation rep, Claire has raised thousands of pounds for the charity COPS (Care of Police Survivors) and Mind, as well as supporting other officers.

In September 2018, Claire suffered life changing injuries to her legs whilst responding to an incident in Stafford. Claire was trapped between a car and a garden fence and was dragged several metres and flung to the floor as the car sped away. She suffered a left tibia and fibular fracture with threatened skin, a right knee wound and further bone/cartilage fracture. The surgeon at The Royal Stoke University Hospital said Claire was lucky to keep her left foot as it was so badly damaged.

In 2020, Claire’s extraordinary courage was recognised when she was presented with a Pride of Britain Award.

Claire, who joined the force in 2001, said: “I’m really pleased, but very shocked as well that people have actually nominated me for the award,”

“I’d been away and when I got back, there was a letter waiting for me - my husband, who nominated me, said I’ve got a surprise for you, and it was that I’d received a British Empire Medal.

“I find it hard to be proud of myself. But if I close my eyes, I can tell myself that I am worthy of this award and it’s a demonstration of all my hard work.

Chief Constable Chris Noble said: “I congratulate Claire who has been recognised for her service in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

“Claire has not only shown enormous bravery while in service, but has been determined to help others. She was instrumental in the introduction of the ‘Thrive’ mental health and wellbeing app at Staffordshire Police – the first force to do so.

“The award highlights Claire’s hard work and commitment to policing and communities and she should be rightly proud to be recognised in this way.”