They received the commendation from Hertfordshire's Chief
Constable.
Police say Marc Forster and Steve Gibbons who both work as door
security staff in Watford and live in Hemel Hempstead were given
the award. On the 4th August 2006 they were on duty at Area
Nightclub, Watford. They searched a man and their metal detector
indicated a metallic object. A hand search identified what Marc
and Steve believed to be a hand gun concealed within the man
trousers. At this point the man ran away from the scene.
Marc and Steve immediately gave chase and detained the man. He
resisted violently and had to be restrained on the floor. They
ensured that he could not get his hands anywhere near
the gun still held within his trousers. They continued to
restrain the man until police arrived, despite the threat of
assault from friends of the man who were nearby.
On police arrival Marc and Steve continued to restrain the male
whilst officers searched him and took possession of the hand
gun. The gun was subsequently shown to be capable of firing and
had several live bullets within its magazine. The man
subsequently received a three and a half year prison sentence.
Chief Constable Frank Whiteley said "Mr Forster and Mr Gibbons
are worthy candidates for this award. Their brave actions and
professionalism ensured the safety of their colleagues, police
officers and those members of public in Watford town centre that
night."
