A Belfast security officer’s selfless bravery has been recognised, after she was named the recipient of the 2007 Sheriffs’ Award.
Susan Porter, from County Down, is only the second person to receive an award in the Sheriff’s name for 1,000 years.
A Federal Services security officer at Stormont parliamentary complex, Northern Ireland, Susan was on duty on Friday November 24, 2006 when Michael Stone, six times convicted murderer, attempted to bomb the building.
With Stone shouting “I have a bomb” and pointing a gun at security guards, she acted instantly and struggled with Stone to disarm him. With a fellow officer she managed to tackle him to the ground. Suffering a broken wrist she looked for a way to immobilise the assailant and thinking quickly she tied his shoelaces together.
Working with her colleagues Susan helped to drag Stone out of the building where they removed knives and his gun. Police officers were soon on the scene to arrest Stone, and bomb disposal officers later confirmed that Stone was carrying a bomb.
Sheriff of the City of London, Ian Luder, presented Susan Porter with the 2007 Sheriff’s Award for outstanding bravery at Guildhall on 10 October. Sheriff Luder said; “the outstanding bravery award is a reminder of to us all of the extraordinary courage and bravery displayed by Susan Porter while protecting fellow citizens.
“Unquestionably her heroic efforts helped to prevent a tragedy that would have claimed lives,” Sheriff Luder said. Susan Porter’s name will be listed in the Old Bailey Book of Honour.
The Sheriffs’ Award is an initiative by the Company of Security Professionals, which numbers 270 members and is a modern version of the trade guilds that maintained quality-control in goods and services during the Middle Ages. The company is on track to become the City’s 108th Livery Company, a rank referring to the ancient right to wear a special “uniform” and take part in elections for the Lord Mayor.
Master of the Company of Security Professionals, Peter French, said: “Selflessness and community service are vital qualities in a successful security professional, the people who make the Square Mile such a great place to live, work and study. We designed the award to honour individuals or organisations who have shown unusual courage or initiative in protecting people, property or liberty.”
