Car Park’s head of security gets Queen’s medal :: 10/03/2008 :: Airport Parking News

A local hero has become the head of security for an airport car park

Two years ago, John Smeaton was working at the Dumbarton BP Garage. Today, he is the head of security at an airport car park and travelling to Buckingham Palace to meet with the Queen.

In July 2007, Smeaton was working as a baggage handler at Glasgow International Airport. He was smoking outside the terminal building when he saw two burning cars making their assault on the front entrance of the airport. He intervened by kicking one of the assailants and by dragging another bystander to safety.

Last week, Smeaton collected the Queen’s Gallantry Medal at Buckingham Palace for his actions. He presented himself at the palace in a tartan kilt and bowtie, proclaiming the event, the proudest moment of his life.

He said: “We just had a wee chat. She said, 'well done and congratulations'. It's the proudest moment of my life.’ He said it was ‘a magnificent experience’ coming to ‘Buck Palace’, adding: ‘The Queen was very nice. She asked me if it was scary that day and I said it was. She said it was an awful thing and I agreed.”

“It's magnificent being here. What more can you say about Buck Palace? It's a magnificent experience receiving this medal. As long as I make my family proud, I'm happy."

When asked if he was a hero, he said: "Hero's not a word I like. Heroes are the guys out there fighting for their country in Iraq and Afghanistan.”