Inspector given new medal after original stolen
A RETIRED police inspector has been gifted a long-service medal at a surprise ceremony – after heartless thieves stole the original.
Back in 1964 when he was just 22 years old, Joseph John Henderson, known as John, joined Northumbria Police as a new recruit based in Gateshead.
Little did he know that over the next two decades he would rise through the ranks, thriving in his role working all over Newcastle.
When he retired in the late 1990s, the family man was presented with a unique long-service medal honouring his time and dedication to the force.
But a few years later, he was left devastated when thieves broke into his home and stole the sentimental piece while he was away with his wife Pat and their granddaughter.
However, after his daughter Carolynn recently got in touch with the force, a new medal has now been presented to John.
The replacement, which was made by the Royal Mint, was paid for by the Northumbria Police Federation and presented to the 79-year-old during a surprise gathering held at Glenside Function Suite in Mickley, Northumberland.
Northumbria Police’s Chief Constable Winton Keenen and Chief Superintendent Helena Barron attended the event to officially present the medal to John and thank him for his service.
Speaking about the day John said: “It was a complete surprise, Carolynn invited the family and myself along for a totally different reason and I had no idea.
“I would like to thank the Chief Constable Winton Keenen and Chief Superintendent Helena Barron for attending and presenting the medal to me, I am truly thrilled to bits.
“I would also like to thank all the officers and police staff who made this possible, and the Police Federation for their kindness.
“I am very grateful to them all for making this a day to remember.”
His daughter Carolynn added: “When the medal was stolen my dad was absolutely gutted. It was highly sentimental and personal to him.
“What upset us all about it was that the medal was no good to anyone except my dad or our family.”
Chief Constable Keenen was delighted to meet John and present him with his medal.
He said: “Long service medals represent the service and sacrifice officers have made in meeting the challenges and demands of their role over many years.
“Hearing of John’s upset and disappointment after his medal was stolen shows just how much working for Northumbria Police meant to him and his family.
“The dedication and passion which continues to be displayed by those who have followed in John’s footsteps – the officers, staff and volunteers who every single day look to make a real and lasting difference – is something which should give us all a real sense of pride.”