Lincolnshire police officer to receive bravery award
PC Steven Dennis is to receive the King's gallantry medal
Last updated 14th May 2024
An off duty police officer who apprehended a double murder suspect in Louth is to receive the King's gallantry medal which acknowledges 'exemplary acts of bravery.'
PC Steven Denniss was walking his dog in Hubbard's Hills when he spotted Daniel Boulton who was wanted for the murder of his former girlfriend and her nine year old son
He tried to detain Boulton until colleagues arrived and was stabbed by him while on the phone to get back up.
Boulton was later jailed for life with a minimum term of 40 years.
I must also acknowledge my colleagues on that day as well
Without any protective equipment, Pc Denniss attempted to detain Boulton until colleagues arrived, and was stabbed by him while on the phone to police.
The officer chased Boulton until he was joined by armed officers, before the suspect was arrested and later charged and jailed for life with a minimum term of 40 years.
Pc Denniss said: “It’s a great honour to be recognised in this way and I am really humbled by it."
"I must also acknowledge my colleagues on that day as well because if it wasn’t for the firearms team and other officers who arrived within minutes, it could have been a very different outcome."
“It’s lovely to be awarded this medal for just doing my job but I do especially think of Bethany and DJ on a day like this."
I acted instinctively, and many other officers would have done the same.
"I would prefer to have never been in this position in the first place if it meant they were still here, among the people who loved them."
"I know I’m not alone in feeling this way, and also that I’m not alone in my actions because I acted instinctively, and many other officers would have done the same.”
Chief Constable Paul Gibson said: “It’s been said many times before but has never even truer than what we saw from Steve in 2021 – police officers are often the people running towards danger when everyone else is running away.
“Steve’s quick-thinking and lack of worry for himself played a huge part in Boulton being arrested without anyone else being harmed."
"The danger he posed to the public at that point in time – a warm day in a busy open space – was up there at a high level, and Steve's actions, coupled with those of other officers, brought to an end a truly tragic set of circumstances."
“We’re incredibly proud of Steve and thrilled he’s been recognised in this way with the King’s Gallantry Medal.”
Pc Denniss will be invited to a special award ceremony at a later date to receive his medal.