Staffordshire Police Federation rep Claire Bond has received a British Empire Medal (BEM), an award recognised as part of this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.
The list was officially revealed on Saturday (17 June), with Claire, the branch’s treasurer and wellbeing lead, set to be presented with her medal by the local Lord-Lieutenant, on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, in the near future.
The award is given to those who have made a significant difference in their community via a very ‘hands-on service’.
“I’m really pleased, but very shocked as well that people have actually nominated me for the award,” said 51-year-old Claire, who joined Staffordshire Police in 2001.
“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.
“Do you think getting this award gets me one step closer to appearing on I’m A Celebrity? That’s my next mission.”
Mother-of-four Claire has dedicated the past five years to raising money and awareness for both local and national causes, as well as supporting fellow members and colleagues, after she was run over by an out-of-control driver while attending an incident.
Claire was run over, dragged along the ground and crushed against a fence in the attack as she tried to stop the driver who was heading towards the Stafford 10km race, which was full of runners.
The incident, which has left Claire with both physical and mental scars, led to her needing a five-hour operation to save her shattered leg.
Determined to help others, Claire was instrumental in the introduction of the ‘Thrive’ mental health and wellbeing app at Staffordshire Police - the first force in the country to do so, which won her an ‘Inside Out Award’.
She has also helped raise thousands of pounds for national mental health charity Mind, as well as COPs (Care of Police Survivors), a charity that supports the families and loved ones of officers who are killed in the line of duty.
Later this month, despite her ongoing recovery, Claire will once again be climbing a 2,600-foot fell in the Lake District, to raise money for COPs, as part of this year’s Light the Lakes fundraising challenge.
In 2020, Claire’s extraordinary courage was recognised when she was presented with a Pride of Britain Award.
Her proud husband, Darren Bond, who is a serving West Midlands Police Constable, said: “When Claire was injured, our lives changed. But since then, she has done so much for local and national charities, as well as her colleagues. She helps herself by giving her energy to others and supporting her peers.
“Claire has gone beyond what is expected of a police officer and a member of the community Despite the surgery, despite the ongoing pains, she continues to be an absolute powerhouse and I felt her hard work needed to be recognised.
“Her back, her shoulder and her knees - she is in constant pain but she keeps on going, she is brilliant - she just doesn’t see it.
“Claire has turned a negative into a positive - and has since done so many amazing things. She’s always been that kind of person but over the past five years has shown us all what she’s really capable of.
“I’m really proud of her. She is an asset to Staffordshire Police Force and the Federation.
“She’ll say this award is for everyone who has helped her, and her colleagues, because that’s what she’s like - but it’s not. This one is for you, Claire.”
Staffordshire Police Federation chair Lee Robinson said: “Claire has gotten through her own challenges, recovered from a life-changing incident and now uses her experience to help others.
“For Claire, there is no such thing as ‘working hours’. The welfare of every single officer is at the heart of everything she does, she just keeps on going and going.
“Her work ethos and her determination are admirable. She is an inspiration and everyone here at the Fed is so proud of her, she undoubtedly deserves this award.”
Echoing Lee’s comments, former Fed chair Phil Jones said: “Claire can be described in one word, and that’s ‘inspirational’.
“I remember seeing Claire being stretchered into hospital and being attended to by the doctors - she was a mess. The journey she has been on since then is remarkable and a testament to the character she is.
“Failure is not a word in Claire’s dictionary. She continuously puts the welfare and wellbeing of others before herself and is passionate about helping anyone.”
Phil called Claire a ‘positive beacon’ and a ‘motivation to others’.
He ended: “Claire is a true inspiration and rightly deserves recognition for her tremendous work.”
The full King’s Birthday Honours list can be viewed here.
