An RUC officer who took control of the rescue operation following the Omagh bombing has been targeted in a republican anti-police campaign.
Sgt Philip Marshall from Omagh was one of the first officers on the scene of the blast in August of last year in which 29 people died and hundreds were injured.
In the aftermath of the explosion, he helped to co-ordinate the emergency services and remained at the scene until the last of the bodies was removed. In recognition of his work, he was awarded an MBE in the new year's honours list.
It has emerged that the sergeant's name was on an anti-RUC list handed out by republicans during a demonstration in Omagh last week.
Up to 30 protesters stormed into a meeting of the Carrick more Police Liaison Committee on Tuesday night of last week in the Silverbirch Hotel. Among those attending the meeting was the Carrickmore parish priest, Mgr Denis Faul, and the local police chief, Supt James Baxter. Other members of the force were also there.
Demonstrators snatched the minutes of the meeting and distributed leaflets calling for the disbandment of the RUC.
This week, a friend of Sgt Marshall described the protest as "disgraceful". He believed the officer had been singled out because he was a well-known member of the local police force.
"He is a very popular member of the community and a highly respected police officer who went through hell on the day of the bombing.
"There is no doubt that he saved lives that day and that his calmness on the day helped get people to hospital in the least time possible.
"I have spoken to several people who have seen the leaflet and they are disgusted. As far as they are concerned, Sgt Marshall is a local hero who should be treated as such."
Following the protest, Mgr Faul criticised those involved in the incident, which, he said, had frightened some of the people present. On Sunday night, about 600 people attended a public meeting in Carrickmore during which calls were made for the removal of the priest from the parish.
A petition was distributed throughout the area. The organisers plan to deliver it to Dr Sean Brady, the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland.