A “tenacious, passionate and inspirational” police officer from Hemel Hempstead has received the prestigious Frank Mason Memorial Award.

Police Constable Joshua Shea was presented with the accolade during a ceremony in Hemel Hempstead on Friday (11 April).

The award is given annually in honour of an off-duty police officer who was fatally wounded in the town more than three decades ago.

PC Francis Mason, better known as Frank, was walking his dog on 14 April 1988 when he witnessed a security van being held up by armed robbers in Bank Court.

He displayed enormous courage and tackled the gunmen, but was shot and, despite efforts to save him, he sadly died aged just 27 years old. As a result of his intervention the security guard was able to get to safety.

Each year, the award is presented to a Dacorum-based officer who has displayed PC Mason’s qualities of dedication, professionalism and selflessness in protecting the community. The recipients are nominated and voted for by their supervisors and selected by senior officers in the borough.

Josh joined Hertfordshire Constabulary in September 2016, as a call taker in the Force Communications Room. In 2018, he moved to frontline policing, working within the Intervention response team in Hemel Hempstead

His policing prowess was quickly recognised earning Josh the Chief Constable’s Intervention Officer of the Year award.

In January 2021, Josh joined the Neighbourhood Policing Team and quickly embedded himself into the problem-solving world, building effective relationships with local partner organisations.

He then joined the Dacorum Scorpion Team in April 2022, producing some incredible results.

Concentrating on the highest risk offenders, Josh arrested 147 people during his time on the team. He has tracked down and arrested suspects for offences including kidnap, armed robbery, Class A drug supply, rouge trading and burglary.

He has executed more than 20 search warrants and locally coordinated cross border operations to target thieves using the road network, making multiple arrests.

Upon receiving the award, Josh said: “It’s an honour to be the proud winner of the prestigious Frank Mason Award. Frank Mason’s legacy is one of courage, commitment, and service to others – values that I strive to uphold every day. To be associated with his name is not only a privilege, but a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all carry in serving and protecting our community. This award is not just a reflection of me as an individual but a testament to my colleagues and my friends and family who have supported me throughout my career.”

Following the presentation, a memorial ceremony was held in Bank Court to allow people to pay their respects to Frank. Wreaths were laid, and a minute’s silence was observed.

Guests in attendance included Assistant Chief Constable Genna Telfer and representatives from the constabulary’s chief officer team, the Police and Crime Commissioner, local officers, retired colleagues, local partners and friends and family.

Dacorum Chief Inspector Jason Finnegan, who led the ceremony, said: “The Frank Mason Award is the highest honour that the Dacorum Community Safety Partnership can bestow upon its police officers.

“This year’s nominations produced some excellent candidates. PC Shea stood out as a shining example of everything that Frank Mason stood for, individual fortitude, leadership and a selfless commitment to policing.

“Today’s ceremony was particularly poignant, following the sad passing of Frank’s mother Margaret in January. Our thoughts, as always, remain with the Mason family.