Death of Retired Police Officer: Detective Sergeant 1942 Jeffrey (Jeff) Firbank

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Detective Sergeant 1942, Jeffrey (Jeff) Firbank who died at Darlington Memorial Hospital, on Wednesday 16th September 2026, aged 79 years.

Jeff was appointed by Durham County Constabulary on 24th April 1967 and after initial training at Newby Wiske, he was stationed at Blaydon. In 1968 he was posted to Newton Aycliffe, where in 1975 he was attached to CID. Following his Initial CID Course at Wakefield, he was appointed as a Detective Constable at Newton Aycliffe. When promoted to Detective Sergeant in 1984 he was posted to Spennymoor and then Crook. Jeff later transferred to the Custody Office, Durham City and latterly moved to the newly formed Admin Support Unit, Newton Aycliffe, where he remained until his retirement on 23rd April 1997.

He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 17th July 1989.

Jeff is survived by Brenda, his wife of almost 58 years, sons Daniel and Andrew, daughters-in-law Paula and Sarah and granddaughter Alana Louise.

A funeral service is to be held at 3.30pm Friday 9th October 2026 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Newton Aycliffe Sports Club, Moore Lane, Newton Aycliffe DL5 5AG

Death of Retired Police Officer: Police Constable 868 Albert Sunderland

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Police Constable 868 Albert Sunderland, who died at Parklands Care Home, Crook on Friday 4th September 2026,aged 93 years.

Albert was appointed by Durham County Constabulary on 15th November 1954 and served his probationary period at Stockton.  His postings took him to Blaydon and Lanchester before moving to Motor Patrols in 1962.  In 1965 Albert was posted to Wolsingham, where he remained until his retirement on 24th October 1980.

During his service he received two commendations.

Albert is survived by his wife Aileen (a former Traffic Warden), daughter Julie, grandchildren Christopher and Rachael, great granddaughters Isabel and Seren.

A private funeral service is to be held on Tuesday 22th September 2026.

Family flowers only, donations if desired, to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

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

Death of retired Police Officer : DC 1079 Patrick (Paddy) Solan

It is with regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police officer, DC 1079 Patrick (Paddy) Solan who died on Tuesday 18th August 2026.

Paddy was appointed as a constable with Durham Constabulary on the 22nd May 1968 spending a large part of his service within CID

He retired on the 16th August 1989.

In line with his wishes a Pure Cremation funeral service was held

A celebration of Paddy's life is to be held at the Newton Grange Pub, Durham on Saturday 3rd October from 12.30hrs onwards.

Our thoughts are with Paddy's family & friends at this sad time.

Death of Retired Police Officer : Detective Constable 2350 Ian Douglas Jessop

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Detective Constable 2350 Ian Douglas Jessop, who died, after a long illness, at York Manor Care Home, York on Sunday 16h August 2026, aged 82 years.

Ian was appointed as a Constable with Durham County Constabulary on 4th January 1971, retiring on 3rd January 2001.

During his service he had postings at Barnard Castle, Darlington and Bishop Auckland, spending many years in CID.

Prior to joining the Police Service Ian served in the RAF.

Following his retirement, he worked for some years in the Security Department of York University.

He is survived by his wife Sue.

In line with Ian’s wishes a Pure Cremation funeral service is to be held.

A social get together is to be at the  Parkhead Hotel, Bishop Auckland. Friends to meet 2pm on Thursday 10th September to honour his memory. (Any queries please contact Kieran Reed on 07722 151645)

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