STEPHEN OAKEDC Stephen Robin Oake, a 40-year-old father-of-three, committed Christian and lay preacher, died on14 January, 2003, in Greater Manchester, after being stabbed by a suspect he was trying to arrest.DC Oake held on to his attacker to protect the lives of his fellow officers, despite being stabbed eight times.He had been with the Force for 20 years and since 1999 had been a member of the Special Branch.In 2002 he was commended for his professional skills and expertise.In 2009 he was awarded a posthumous Queen’s Gallantry Medal for bravery.His widow, Lesley, said: "Steve's actions on that fateful day in January 2003 were typical of a man who was committed to his job and to his colleagues."We are extremely proud that his sacrificial act of bravery has resulted in this prestigious award."He was survived by his wife Lesley, a son Christopher who was15 when his father died,and two daughters, Rebecca and Corinne,then aged 14 and 12.Michael Todd, who at the time was Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, paid tribute to DC Oake at a ceremony in 2006 to unveil a memorial stone at the flat where he died.Mr Todd said: "We know bravery when we see it and Steve saw ... a serious and potentially fatal threat to his colleagues. He put himself in harm's way."He was prepared to put his life on the line to protect his colleagues and in my estimation that is gallantry and bravery of the highest possible order."Steve was a hero. He and his sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice, will never ever be forgotten by us."About 150 people attended the ceremony outside 4 Crumpsall Lane, where the stone was unveiled engraved with a simple message: "Here fell DC Stephen Oake, 14 January 2003."DC Oake was the son of Robin Oake, former Chief Constable of the Isle of Man Constabulary.A road in Manchester - Stephen Oake Close - was named in his honour.
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