Frank Mason Memorial Award 2026

A “dedicated, professional and selfless” police officer from Dacorum has received this year’s prestigious Frank Mason Memorial Award.

Police Constable Charlie Fuller, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team, was presented with the accolade during a ceremony in Hemel Hempstead on Friday (10 April).

The award is given annually in honour of an off-duty police officer who was fatally wounded in the town nearly four 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.

To recognise his bravery PC Mason was posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal.

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.

Charlie joined Hertfordshire Constabulary as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in 2016, before becoming a police constable two years later.

From the earliest stages of her career, she demonstrated a clear commitment to going above and beyond, earning a nomination for Student Officer of the Year at the Chief Constable’s Awards, where she was named runner up.

This early recognition reflected a pattern of professionalism, drive, and selflessness that has continued throughout her service.

Operationally, Charlie has delivered exceptional results. She manages investigations promptly and diligently, plans and executes warrants, and regularly volunteers for calls for service during busy periods, even while carrying a substantial workload of her own.

Her proactive approach has led to reductions in crime, while targeted operations have helped to disrupt drug dealing and anti‑social behaviour.

Her resilience and dedication have been particularly notable over the past year. Despite facing personal challenges, she has remained focused, positive, and fully committed to the job in hand, consistently giving 100% and never shying away from responsibility. Her professionalism in these circumstances has made her a role model to colleagues across Dacorum.

Upon receiving the award, Charlie said: “I feel very grateful to have so many great colleagues who share the same dedication and passion for the job as I do. I know this award carries a great significance as it honours PC Frank Mason. It’s a reminder of the commitment that we all make as police officers and I’m truly honoured to receive the award.”

Following the presentation, a memorial ceremony was held outside Hemel Hempstead police station to allow people to pay their respects to Frank. Flowers were laid, and a minute’s silence was observed.

Guests in attendance included Chief Constable Andy Prophet, representatives from the constabulary’s chief officer team, local officers, retired colleagues, local partners and friends and family.

Dacorum Chief Inspector Paul Stanbridge, who led the ceremony, said: “Beyond her operational achievements, Charlie is consistently described as an exceptional colleague. She is supportive, approachable, and generous with her time and knowledge, contributing positively to team morale and setting high standards for those around her.

“Charlie’s professionalism, dedication, and selfless service over the last year make her a thoroughly deserving recipient of the award.”