Richard Drax, the MP for South Dorset, congratulated Sergeant Dave Stroud personally during a meeting at the House of Commons today (Wed, 7 Jul).
Tomorrow, Sergeant Stroud, accompanied by his wife Rhiannon, will attend a reception at 10 Downing Street in the morning, before receiving his award at the Dorchester Hotel in the evening (Thu, 8 Jul).
Sergeant Stroud was off-duty shopping with his wife and children in Weymouth in December 2008 when he interrupted a fight between two men.
One of the men was armed with a knife, but Sergeant Stroud bravely disarmed him and held on until colleagues came to the rescue.
Richard said: “This was an act of extreme courage and selflessness. Unarmed, off-duty and enjoying a shopping trip with his family, Sergeant Stroud did not hesitate to carry out his duty and protect the public, in this case another man who was being repeatedly punched in the head.
“And even when Sergeant Stroud was wounded in the hand by the knife, he held on, managing to over-power the man until other officers arrived at the scene.”
“We owe officers like Sergeant Stroud a huge debt of thanks. His dedication and courage were extraordinary and this award is richly deserved.”
Sergeant Stroud works in traffic, as does his wife Rhiannon. They met in the force and have two children, William, who is six, and 12-year-old Naomi.
Sergeant Stroud’s family was ahead of him when he heard two men shouting. Arriving at the scene, Sergeant Stroud saw one man assaulting another.
Without hesitation he moved to intervene and was warned by members of the public the man was armed with a knife.
Still Sergeant Stroud carried out his duty and seeing the weapon he grabbed the man’s knife hand. During the ensuing scuffle, Sergeant Stroud’s hand was cut badly.
After disarming the man, Sergeant Stroud held on to him until more officers arrived. Only when the situation was under control did Sergeant Stroud call his wife who was waiting in their car nearby.
Richard added: “Not many of us would tackle an armed man with no back up and no protection. Sergeant Stroud selflessly put his life on the line for a member of the public, who was being severely beaten. This is an example of raw courage and I am delighted that Sergeant Stroud is being recognised with this bravery award.”