Logistics consultant Tom Temple is this year’s recipient of the Sheriffs’ Award, which is bestowed by The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals on behalf of the Sheriffs of the City of London.
Temple was honoured on Monday 7 October at the Annual Dinner of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, an event held at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in the City of London and attended by some 200 guests and a number of dignitaries.
Dignataries present included Lord Imbert CVO QPM DL QPM JP, Alderman and Sheriff Sir Paul Judge, Sheriff Adrian Waddingham CBE, Professor Paul Jarrett FRCS (the Master of The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers), Colonel David Neal of the Royal Military Police and Lieutenant Colonel Sue Pillar from the Intelligence Corps.
Outstanding act of bravery
Each year, the Sheriffs’ Award honours an outstanding act of bravery by a member of the UK community.
On 3 November 2012, Tom Temple reacted to a life-threatening situation without regard for his own personal safety. Tom will likely argue that he was just doing his civic duty when he decided to apprehend an individual who threatened a taxi driver with a hand gun. Not only did Tom, who was with his wife at the time, pin the criminal to the ground until the police arrived, but he also prevented a number of bystanders from picking up the hand gun (which was now on the road), and controlled an initially hostile crowd who thought that he was apprehending an innocent civilian.
Tom Temple (centre) receives the Sheriffs’ Award for 2013
Tom’s actions kept the local community safe, preserved the scene and resulted in the criminal receiving a two-and-a-half year custodial sentence.
Following the formal reading of his citation, Temple was presented with a magnificent trophy, framed certificate and a cheque for £2,000 by the Sheriffs.
His name will also be recorded on both the Honours Board and the Book of Honour located at the Central Criminal Court – The Old Bailey.
When asked for his views on the Sheriffs’ Award and the night’s proceedings, Temple commented: “It’s overwhelming. I am a quiet man and am truly honoured.”
Clearly, Temple should be honoured, as reiterated by Sheriff Sir Paul Judge: “The Company embodies the relationship between private enterprise and the community. Partnership is what makes things happen and we all know the courage that Tom displayed in order to receive such an award. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”
Nominations open for 2014
The search for the 2014 recipient has now begun and The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals welcomes nominations from industry, the community, the military and the emergency services.
To nominate an individual as deserving as Tom Temple, please follow this link: http://www.wcosp.com/index.php/the-sheriffs-award
The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The Company is a charitable organisation providing education and health services to members of the professional security community.
Membership of The Worshipful Company is drawn from the security industry and includes leading security professionals from the industrial and retail sectors, serving and retired members of the police and Armed Forces, security consultants, academics, heads of security for corporate businesses, investigators and electronic surveillance companies.
