Death of Retired Police Staff: Eric Slater

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Staff, Eric Slater, former Headquarters Vehicle Workshop Manager, who died at Greenways Court Nursing Home, Consett on Sunday 21st September 2025, aged 89 years.

Eric was Durham County Constabulary’s Fleet Manager, responsible for overseeing the purchase and maintenance of a wide range of motor vehicles operated throughout the force.  He carried out this role over many years, from around 1977 until his retirement in August 2001.

He also took it upon himself to photograph new vehicles introduced into the fleet, maintaining albums of them for historic purpose.

Prior to his employment with the Constabulary, Eric worked for several vehicle dealerships in the County, such as Adams and Gibbon and J S Robson, where he was the Workshop/Service Manager.

Eric is survived by sons Colin and Cliff, daughter-in-law Cathy and grandchildren Vicky, Terry, Chloe, Charlotte and Christopher.  He was predeceased by wife Margaret.

A funeral service is to be held at 2.45pm Tuesday 7th October 2025 at Mountsett Crematorium, Ewehurst Road, Dipton, Stanley DH9 9JP

Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if desired, to Alzheimer’s Society.

Our thoughts are with Eric’s family and friends at this sad time.

Death of Retired Police Chief Superintendent John (Jack) Ebblewhite Fidiam

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Chief Superintendent John (Jack) Ebblewhite Fidiam, who died at Ayresome Court, Yarm on Tuesday 23rd September 2025, aged 95 years.

Jack joined Durham County Constabulary, as a Police Cadet in 1947, based at Castle Eden until 1949.  In August 1950 he joined the force as a Police Constable and was posted to Felling.  He undertook duty with the Traffic, Serious Incident Squad and General Duties.

In 1964, Jack was promoted to Sergeant based at Aycliffe Police Workshops. October 1968 on promotion to Inspector the family moved to Consett, Jack being posted to Traffic North.  When promoted to Chief Inspector in 1976, Jack was based in Consett division.

Promotion to Superintendent in 1979 saw him serving at Darlington and in the Training Department at Force Headquarters, Aykley Heads.

Jack retired from Durham Constabulary in August 1987, having served his final 4 years as Chief Superintendent at Durham City.

Having retired after 2 years as a Cadet and 37 years Police Service with Durham, Jack was not prepared to end his commitment with the Force and in 1988 became Commandant of the Special Constabulary for a further 3 years, after which he concluded his Police Career from Durham Constabulary, ‘Retiring completely’.

Jack is predeceased by his wife Audrey, who passed away in October 2014.  Audrey was well known within Durham Constabulary as a member of Police Staff for 36 years.

Jack and his late wife Audrey were both very well respected by Police Officers and Staff of all ranks.

He is survived by daughter Allyson, son-in-law David Horner (Ex-Durham Police Cadet and retired Police Superintendent with Cleveland Police) and grandson Adam.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am, Friday 24th October 2025 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Friends are welcome to join the family at Bowburn Hall for refreshments following the service.

Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if so desired, to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham.

Our thoughts are with Jack’s family and friends at this sad time.

Death of Retired Police Officer’s Wife: Janet Stadius

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer’s wife, Janet Stadius, who died at Willowburn Hospice, Lanchester on Wednesday 27th August 2025, aged 65 years.  Janet was married to retired Durham Police Officer, Detective Constable 216 John Stadius, now a Police Staff member.

Janet also served with Durham Constabulary as a member of Police Staff with the Technical Support Unit (TSU) from 1979 to 1981. After leaving the Police, she became a professional dancer.

Janet is survived by husband John, son Adam and his partner Sabie, Grandchildren Etta and Winnie and nieces Rachel and Victoria and much loved by all the extended family.

A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Friday 3rd October 2025 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only donations in lieu, if so desired, to Willowburn Hospice and St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Avenue, Avenue Street, High Shincliffe, Durham DH1 2PT

Our thoughts are with Janet’s family and friends at this sad time