What's Happening?
The family of Detective Sergeant Ross Hunt, who was murdered in 1983 while protecting fellow officers, is urging the UK government to recognize his bravery posthumously. Despite multiple requests, the Hunt family has
been denied a bravery award due to a policy that does not consider incidents older than five years. This policy was introduced after World War II. DS Hunt was killed while attempting to arrest a violent criminal, and his actions were credited with saving the lives of his colleagues. The family, along with the Lanarkshire Police Historical Society, continues to campaign for a change in the policy to honor DS Hunt's selfless actions.
Why It's Important?
The refusal to award DS Hunt posthumously highlights the challenges families face in seeking recognition for acts of bravery that occurred in the past. The policy in question may be seen as outdated, potentially denying deserving individuals the honor they merit. This case underscores the need for a review of such policies to ensure that acts of heroism are acknowledged, regardless of when they occurred. The outcome of this campaign could influence how posthumous awards are handled in the future, impacting families seeking justice and recognition for their loved ones.
