Memorial to West Cumbrian floods hero Bill Barker in Workington unveiled today
Last updated at 08:29, Friday, 29 June 2012
A memorial to PC Bill Barker will be unveiled today in Workington.
The memorial, in Curwen Park, will be unveiled by Chief Constable Stuart Hyde, Lord Lieutenant Sir James Cropper and PC Barker’s family.
PC Barker died during the 2009 floods, when Workington’s Northside Bridge collapsed.
He died as he directed drivers away from the bridge, which gave way under him moments later.
The plaque was planned by film director Michael Winner’s charity the Police Memorial Trust.
Sir James will also present PC Barker’s wife Hazel with the Queen’s commendation for bravery.
The plaque, on a granite stand, will be placed among flower beds in the park above the magistrates’ court on Ramsay Brow.
The location was chosen by Mrs Barker and her family.
Mrs Barker said: “Our children Simon, Melissa, Daniel and Emma-Louise and I are very humbled by this wonderful tribute to Bill for their recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.
“There are so many people who have helped to carry us through tragedy and the support we have received is immense.
“Memorials such as this can never compensate the families for their loss but, rightfully, recognises the bravery and commitment to duty of officers who, when others run in the opposite direction from danger they step forward.
“We are, of course, extremely proud that Bill has been honoured in this way by the Queen.
“Bill was extremely honoured and privileged to serve in the police and his sacrifice and bravery being recognised in this way is extremely humbling.
“We, as a family, feel it is right and fitting that we accept the award not only on behalf of Bill but also for all officers who have tragically given their lives during the execution of their duties.”
Mr Hyde added: “It is a tribute to Bill and the bravery and sacrifice he made.
“He was a dedicated and committed officer who was a great loss.
“Today is about the celebration of his life and of the work that Bill carried out for his community.
“Many of his family, friends and colleagues will be present and have come to share in the celebration as we remember a fellow officer whose brave actions undoubtedly saved the lives of others on that day in question.”
First published at 08:23, Friday, 29 June 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk
Nice touch All, long overdue but a credit to Mr Barker and His Family, it will be somewhere for His Family, along with others, to visit and rememebr what He really was, simply a decent local Chap, lets hope the local "unruly" element leave it alone to give respect to Mr Barker for what He really was.
Have your say
"What he really was"? He's only getting the memorial because he was a policeman. Let's not forget he was only diverting traffic and didn't know the bridge was going to fall.
I'm sure the chap who died just the other day in the floods was a "decent local chap". Where's his memorial?
Posted by Tom on 29 June 2012 at 17:57