On the 19th September, the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II took place in London.
To ensure the event passed safely and without incident, over 10,000 police officers from almost every force in the UK were deployed in what was to be the biggest police operation in the history of the capital.
The Metropolitan police were supported by specialist units including armed police, rooftop snipers, motorbike escort riders, officers on horseback, dog teams and the marine unit.
One of those 10,000 officers was Officer Stednet Gray, based in Mitcham, South London. Officer Gray was deployed on Constitution Hill, his working day starting at 4 am and ending well after 6 pm. Officer Gray – aka Washinkai instructor Sensei Sted, 4th Dan, joined the Metropolitan Police in 1993 and has served across three London boroughs. He runs the NCG Karate Club in South Norwood and is a senior instructor at SMKC in Mitcham, also teaching on occasion at the Canons Karate Club.
Sensei Sted has been awarded a long service medal and he also holds medals for policing ie the Queen’s Silver, Gold and Platinum Jubilees.
“Treat people the way you wish to be treated and never forget who you are. Don’t try to be part of the club, although you are in the club – ie don’t follow the majority”.
Congratulations and thanks to you Sted for participating in this historic event and helping to keep us all safe!
