 After the end of the siege , PC Trevor Lock was widely considered a hero . He was awarded the George Medal , the United Kingdom 's second @-@ highest civil honour , for his conduct during the siege and for tackling Oan during the SAS raid — the only time during the siege that he drew his concealed side arm . In addition , he was honoured with the Freedom of the City of London and in a motion in the House of Commons . Police historian Michael J. Waldren , referring to the television series Dixon of Dock Green , suggested that Lock 's restraint in the use of his revolver was " a defining example of the power of the Dixon image " , and Maurice Punch noted the contrast between Lock 's actions and the highly aggressive tactics of the SAS . Sergeant Tommy Palmer was awarded the Queen 's Gallantry Medal for his part in the assault , in which he shot dead a terrorist who was apparently about to throw a grenade amongst the hostages . After the operation concluded , the staff sergeant who was caught in his abseil rope was treated at St Stephen 's Hospital in Fulham . He suffered serious burns to his legs , but went on to make a full recovery . 
