Gallantry medals for two Leicestershire officers

Two police officers have received the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for their heroic bravery following the helicopter crash at Leicester City Football Club in October 2018.

Sergeant Mike Hooper and PC Steve Quartermain both ran towards the helicopter after it crashed in the car park of the King Power stadium shortly after the final whistle and attempted to save those inside.

All five people on board – the club’s owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, two members of his staff Nusara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, the pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner, Izabela Roza Lechowicz – tragically died.

PC Quartermain said: “I feel very honoured to be recognised in this way, it’s very humbling.

“It’s important to remember those who lost their lives and everyone who tried to help that night.”

Sgt Hooper added: “I feel incredibly honoured and proud to be receiving the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

“While it was extraordinary circumstances and something that no police officer would ever want to face in their entire career, I know only that I instinctively; how any other officer from across the country would have reacted.”

Left to right: PC Steve Quatermain and Sgt Mike Hooper with their medals