The High Sheriff Bravery Awards.

This week I had the honour of officiating at one of the important roles of the High Sheriff as the Royal Representative of the County for the Judiciary – that of recognising the Surrey Citizens that have stepped in to help others in often dangerous or challenging circumstances. Held at Guildford Crown Court in the presence of HH Judge Lees and other Judges, I presented ‘High Sheriff Bravery Awards’ to six people in recognition of commendable actions which included the following;

• A HGV driver who happened across a fatal traffic incident late at night and stepped in alone to secure the scene and alert the Emergency services. The situation which resulted in a death and a serious injury was caused by third parties who were convicted of murder.
• A couple who encountered the scene of a fatal collision and attended the badly injured man until paramedics arrived.
• A man who put himself in harms way to diffuse a violent disorder at a private event avoiding further serious injuries to people involved. 
• A member of a property safeguarding and street patrol team who assisted the Police in the conviction of a prolific shoplifter and burglar. 
• and a lone woman – an eyewitness to a violent attack by two people, who ran towards the incident to stop the assault and scare off the two men.

It was an honour to be able to thank these citizens for their selfless actions – exemplary people who are an example to us all. The awards ceremony was followed by a reception where myself and Suzanne along with the Judges were able to talk to them further and meet members of their proud families.