THE FAMILY Liaison Team at Thames Valley Police has been honoured by Reading Pride with the Local Heroes Award in memory of David, James, and Joe.
During Reading Pride, awards are given to individuals and organisations for their work and support of the community.
The Local Heroes Award is awarded in the memory of David Wails, James Furlong, and Joe Richie-Bennett, who were killed in the Forbury Gardens attacks in June 2020.
The liaison team continues its work with the families of David, James, and Joe, who gave their blessing for the award to be given.
It was collected on stage at the event by Iain Spencer and members of his team from around the country, who also work with counterparts in the USA as part of their support.
Superintendent Steve Raffield, Reading Local Area Commander for Thames Valley Police said: “To be told the Family Liaison Team was nominated for a Reading Pride Award.
“And then to unanimously win it, the whole team is honoured and taken aback.
“We worked really closely with all the families whose lives were turned upside down by this tragic incident.
“They are all part of this wider community that were also deeply affected, so it is really so very special for us to be recognised in this way.
“It could be said that the members of the team were just doing their job, but to receive this honour for such important and sensitive work is overwhelming and humbling for us all.”
He concluded: “The people of Reading showed courage, community spirit and resilience in the face of terrorism and we thank you all for your continued support and for this award to recognise the Family Liaison Team.”
Tom Price, chief engagement officer at Reading Pride, said: “Reading Pride were honoured to present this award to the Family liaison team in recognition of everything they have done for the victims and families of those affected by the attacks in Forbury Gardens.
“The team work tirelessly to support those involved, and the award was presented in loving memory of David, James and Joe.”
The award was one of three given at this year’s Reading Pride, with Support U’s Jamie Dewson and Oliwia Budzinska receiving the Alice Driver Award for their contribution to domestic and sexual violence support for LGBTQ+ communities.
Jamie Wake was given the Selwyn Jones Award, named in honour of and dedicated to his late partner, for his work as a trustee at Reading Pride and nearly two decades of supporting the community.
