Scott Medal Commendations of First Class were recently awarded at a ceremony in Co Monaghan.
These were awarded to retired Sergeant James (Cyril) Smith and posthumously to Sergeant Thomas Britton.
The honour was to recognise courageous conduct involving risk to their lives when they arrested a violent criminal in 1979.
On the 16th of October 1979, both Sergeant Smith and the then Garda Britton were on duty attached to Monaghan Traffic Corps.
While patrolling the area of Annyalla, they observed a car and recognised the driver as Dessie O'Hare, who was known to them as a violent criminal.
Having indicated to the driver to stop the vehicle, the driver failed to do so and drove off at speed.
Gardaí followed the vehicle over a prolonged distance, but momentarily lost sight of the vehicle due to cattle on the road.
When cleared they found the car in a field following a collision with another vehicle.
The citations read ""The driver was arrested and convicted of numerous firearms offences including possession of firearms and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life and he was subsequently convicted at the Special Criminal Court.""
Scott Medal Commendations are a very special recognition and are only awarded to members that have demonstrated exemplary skill and decision-making while in immediate danger and under significant pressure.
