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.

Message to all Durham NARPO members, re PC's Blades & Clough

 Message to all Durham NARPO members, 

Please note that your Branch has donated £2000 to the GoFundMe platform, in support of the families of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, the two Cleveland Police Officers killed in a RTC on the A66 in Cleveland on Saturday 22nd August 2026.

The fund which has been setup by Cleveland Police Federation and is to be divided amongst the two officers families has now exceed one million pounds.

Our thoughts are with the families ,friends and colleagues of the two officers.

Donations are still being received by the fund which is available on this link

Death of Retired Police Officer: Sergeant 555 Thomas (Tommy) Robert Ball

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Sergeant 555 Thomas (Tommy) Robert Ball, who died in Truro Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, (after taking ill whilst on holiday) on Friday 7th August 2026, aged 81 years.

Tommy was appointed with Durham County Constabulary on 31stJuly 1972, his initial posting being Newton Aycliffe.  He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1981 and later qualified to the rank of Inspector, being interviewed for Bramshill Police College, due to his National Score standing.

His subsequent postings as a Sergeant were at Staindrop, Barnard Castle, Shildon and Newton Aycliffe, with significant periods as Acting Inspector.  He retired from his post as Custody Sergeant at Newton Aycliffe on 12th July 2002.

During his service, Tommy received several commendations from successive Chief Constables and from H M Courts, notably for the attempted rescue of a drowning child and the disarming of a gunman, discharging a pistol in a public place.

He is survived by his wife Mary, children Julie, Stephen, Catherine, Helen and Marie, four sons-in-law and eighteen grandchildren.

A requiem funeral service is to be held at 10.30am Wednesday 9th September 2026 at St. Mary’s RC Church, Birch Road, Barnard Castle DL12 8NR, followed by a private local burial.

Family flowers only, donations in so desired to Aid to the Church in Need and St. Mary’s RC Church.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Newgate, Barnard Castle DL12 8NQ

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

Durham NARPO express their sincere condolences

The entire membership of Durham NARPO express their sincere condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of Cleveland Police Officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, who were tragically killed this morning in a RTC on the A66. 

Their hurt is felt by all of our wider Police family.

Raymond T Jones (Chairman)

A Go Fund Me page has been set up by Cleveland Police Federation.

They are asking for help to support the families of the two colleagues, to assist them in any way as they try to navigate this traumatic time.

Any funds raised will be split equally between their two families to be used as they so wish.

Please note this is the only official fundraising platform from Cleveland Police Federation

Petition to stop the early release from jail of PC Andrew Harper's killers

Aileen O'Connor, chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, launched the petition after the Ministry of Justice confirmed Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers are eligible for early release this October.

PC Harper's widow, Lissie Harper, has added her voice, saying she felt "punched in the gut" by the decision.
She added: "Hopefully we can make the current government come to their senses and realise we cannot put people like this back on our streets. Justice should mean justice and serving the sentence given."
Petition: https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-stop-the-early-release-from-jail-of-pc-andrew-harper-s-killers?utm_source=organic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=owned&utm_term=image-08042026&utm_content=GB&share_id=LWzsC7yn

Death of Retired Police Officer: Chief Inspector 409 John (Jack) Wharrier

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Chief Inspector 409 John (Jack) Wharrier, who died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Monday 20th July 2026, aged 85 years.

Jack joined Durham Police Cadets in 1958 and worked at Sedgefield Office.  He was appointed as a Police Constable, with Durham County Constabulary, on 21st March 1960, and posted to Stockton-on-Tees for 4 years, prior to postings at Wingate and Peterlee.

He was promoted to Sergeant on 1st February 1973 and seconded to the District Police Training Centre at Newby Wiske.

Promotion to Inspector followed on 30th June 1980, and to Chief Inspector on 9th February 1987.

His remaining police service was mainly spent at Peterlee and Force Training, before becoming Sub Divisional Commander at Seaham Harbour.

Jack is survived by sons John and Graham, both of whom are retired police officers, and 4 granddaughters.  He is predeceased by his wife, Ann, who died in 2022.

A funeral service is to be held at 2.45pm Thursday 6th August 2026, at Carleton Crematorium, Stocks Lane, Poulton Le Fylde FY6 7QS

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

Death of Retired Police Widow: Margaret Pringle

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Police Widow, Margaret Pringle of Brandon, who died peacefully at home, surrounded by her girls on Monday 13th July 2026, aged 84 years.

Margaret is the widow of retired Police Constable 1114 Arthur Pringle.

Margaret is survived by daughters Alyson, Diane, Debra and Vicki, and their respective husbands and partners, 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.   Reunited with youngest daughter, Lisa who died in October 2021 and husband Arthur, who died in November 2022.

A funeral service is to be held at 10.30am Monday 3rd August 2026 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

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

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Duke of Wellington, Darlington Road, Durham DH1 3QN

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

Death of Retired Police Officer: Police Constable 1393 Ian Thomas Whittaker (Whitty)

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Police Constable 1393 Ian Thomas Whittaker (Whitty), who peacefully died at Teesside Hospice on Wednesday 8th July 2026, aged 55 years, surrounded by the love of his family.

Ian joined Durham Constabulary on 21st April 1997, having previously served in the Military.  He worked, in uniform, at Darlington and Ferryhill, before embarking on a pathway as a career detective.

He served with reactive CID and was seconded to various teams within regional policing with West Yorkshire.  He also worked in the Professional Standards Department, before spending his last year as full-time Vice Chair and Treasurer of Durham Police Federation

Ian was medically retired on 15th January 2025.

Ian is survived by his wife Tracy, son Thomas, daughter Sarah, stepson Reece, stepdaughter Allanah, mother Margaret, in-laws Terry and Christina, brother Don and sister Joanne.  An Idolised uncle, nephew and grandad.

He is predeceased by his father Donald. 

A funeral service is to be held at 3.00pm Monday 27th July 2026, in St Bede’s Chapel, Teesside Crematorium, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough TS5 7HD

Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if so desired, to RSPB and Teesside Hospice.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Acklam Rugby Club, Talbot Park, Saltersgill Avenue, Middlesbrough TS4 3PR

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

Annual Sunday Lunch - Sunday 30th August 2026

 

Sunderland NARPO social event.....

Quick reminder that the Sunderland Branch of NARPO hold a social meeting at The Beacon of Light which is situated near The Stadium of Light directly adjacent to The Aquatic Centre.

They have a court booked for 1 hour from 11.00am but normally meet about 10.30am in the ground floor cafe for a coffee.  For anyone who hasn’t been it's a fantastic facility and the court can accommodate 4 table tennis tables, 2 pickleball courts, a badminton court and a five-a-side football pitch.

It is emphasized that not everyone participates and there is no pressure to do so.  Some just come for the craic and to spectate.  They have been going since July 2024 and normally have around ten to fifteen regular attenders.

It is an alternative to the more formal NARPO meetings.  As the event can obviously cater for more, the committee have asked me to offer the hand of friendship to your members if they want to pop along even if it's just as a recce.  

There is a £3 voluntary contribution per session (to help cover the cost of hiring the court & equipment) via a 'honesty box' and no need to contact in advance, simply turn up.

There is a cafe that does toasties etc if anyone is peckish.

This social meeting is regularly attended by retired Durham officers

The next meeting is on this Thursday -  16th July 2026

Address for The Beacon of Light: Stadium Way, Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR5 1SN

Please Note:

From Sunderland NARPO Chairman Colin Dobson: "As from 26th August 2025 car parking charges have been introduced. 

Currently 0-2 hours: Free, 2-4 hours: £4, 4-8 hours: £8 and 24 hours: £10.

IMPORTANT: Payment will be taken via the EVOLOGY cashless parking app.

I would suggest that to save time you download the app to your phone and REGISTER AND CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT. 

If you intend staying for more than 2 hours then the first payment shown in the app is for £4.25 for 4 hours ie the free 2 + 2 hours.

Next NARPO Branch Meeting (New Venue and daytime meeting)

Our next Branch meeting is our first Daytime meeting which we are trying to see if we can gain an increase in support. It is to be held at Ferryhill Masonic Hall, 35 North Street, Ferryhill, DL17 8HX at 11am on Monday 13th July. (Opposite the Manor Hotel) There is a large free car park at the rear with views across to Penshaw Monument.

Also attached is the order form for the Sunday Lunch to be held at the same venue on 30th August 2026.

Please click on image below for downloadable pdf of the menu

Death of retired Police Officer: PC 2017 Geoffrey Hopps

It is with regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, PC 2017 Geoffrey Hopps who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on 28th June 2026 aged 72 years.

Geoff joined Durham Constabulary as a Cadet in 1969. He was appointed Constable in 1971 and posted to Bishop Auckland where he completed his probation. He followed his dream to become a Dog Handler and, later in his career, was well remembered for his work with the Community Relations Department, promoting Community safety with “Jet and Ben”. He visited every primary school in the Durham County area increasing awareness in relation to strangers. 

Geoff retired due to ill health in 1996 after 27 years’ service.

Geoff is succeeded by his wife Ann. Sons, Paul and Gareth and grandchildren, India, Hugo and Mollie.

The funeral will take place at 10:30 am on Friday 17th July 2026 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland. DL14 8PE. The funeral is not private however the family have requested family flowers only.

Following the service the family will be making their way to “The County” at Aycliffe Village where friends and former colleagues will be most welcome.

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

Death of Retired Police Officer: Inspector 52, Norman Davison

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Inspector 52 Norman Davison, who died at Peterlee Care Home on Monday 15th June 2026, aged 94 years.

Norman joined Durham County Constabulary on 20th September 1952.  He was promoted to the ranks Sergeant on 24th February 1967 and inspector on 6th August 1979 and retired on 31st March 1984.  He served with the Traffic Department (Traffic North) whilst holding the rank of Sergeant.

Norman is predeceased by his wife Margaret, who died at the same Care Home, on Monday 16th March 2026, aged 95 years and their son, Edmund, who died on 5th September 2013, aged 52 years.

A funeral service for Norman is to be held at 11.30am Thursday 2nd July 2026 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Peterlee Care Home.

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

Death of Retired Police Officer: Chief Constable of West Mercia, David Blakey CBE, QPM.

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Chief Constable of West Mercia, David Blakey CBE, QPM, who died at Droitwich, Worcestershire on Thursday 11th June 2026, aged 82 years.

David was appointed by Durham County Constabulary in 1960 and during his career he rose through the ranks, later transferring to the forces of Northumbria, West Mercia and Leicestershire before returning to West Mercia, from where he retired in February 1999.

During his long and varied career, he served as President of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) 1997-98.

He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) in 1993 and made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in1998.

David then took up the role of an Inspector with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, serving from 1999 until 2004.

He was a Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire from 1999 until 2018

David is survived by his wife Wendy, son Stephen, daughter Kerris and five grandsons.

A funeral service is to be held at 12 noon Thursday 9th July 2026 at St Michael and All Saints Great Witley Church, Great Witley, Worcester WR6 6JT.  At the end of the service the family will remain in the church for a period of private reflection.

Family flowers only, donations if so desired to Megan Baker House, www.meganbakerhouse.org.uk

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Crown & Sandys Hotel, Main Road, Ombersley, Worcester WR9 0EW

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

Death of Retired Police Officer: PC 818 David Duncan

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Police Constable 818 David Duncan, who died suddenly at the family’s static caravan at Eyemouth, Berwickshire, Scotland on Sunday 31st May 2026, aged 72 years.

Dave joined Durham Constabulary in July 1975, his first posting was to Barnard Castle and then to Darlington.  He then transferred to Traffic Patrols (South), mainly working the Darlington area.  Towards the end of his service, he became a Crime Prevention Officer.

He retired from the force on 30th July 2005 and then rejoined the force, under the 30+ scheme, working in the South Resourcing Unit, retiring after a period of 2 years.

He received a Certificate of Commendations, dated 7th June 2007 for:

a)   For excellent teamwork which was instrumental in affecting the conviction of several defendants on charges of burglary, theft, handling stolen goods and TWOC (Chief Constable 1986), and

b)   For excellent work resulting in the arrest and conviction of a violent man on charges of reckless driving, assault on police, failing to a laboratory specimen, failing to stop for an officer and speeding (Chief Constable 1979)

He also received a certificate from the Divisional Commander of Darlington, dated 9 July 2003, for recognition of excellent work for his commitment and professionalism in establishing the role of co-ordinator and setting up the appropriate systems and procedures to assist the process.

Dave is survived by his wife Karen, sons Allan & Andrew, 3 granddaughters and 2 grandsons, the latest grandson being born on 12th June 2026.

A funeral service is to be held at 1.00pm Wednesday 1st July 2026 at Darlington Crematorium, Carmel Road North, Darlington DL3 8RY

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the Great North Air Ambulance.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Darlington Cricket Club, South Terrace, Darlington DL1 5JD

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

Death of Retired Police Officer: Police Constable 529 Stuart (Ben) Bennett

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Police Constable 529 Stuart (Ben) Bennett, who died suddenly at home on Tuesday 26th May 2026, aged 64 years.

Ben was a Durham Police Cadet between 1978-80.  He was appointed as a Constable with Durham Constabulary on 19th May 1980 and served at Bishop Auckland, Crook and Stanhope and with the Motorcycle Section.  He left Durham Constabulary on 6th November 2000.   

Ben is survived by Yvonne, his wife of 43 years.

A funeral service is to be held at 2.30pm Monday 22nd June 2026 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Guide Dogs.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Royal Air Force Association, Spitfire Club, 12 North Terrace, Crook DL15 9AZ

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

Death of Retired Police Officer : PC 1654 Roland Keith Robinson

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, PC 1654 Roland Keith Robinson, who died at Darlington memorial Hospital on Wednesday 27th May 2026, aged 95 years.

Keith joined Durham County Constabulary on 30th December 1957 and started his service at Stockton-on-Tees (Town), he was later posted to Consett (Town), then to Medomsley (Detached Beat). Keith then joined HQ Traffic Motorcycle Section where he patrolled for many years before finishing his service at Bishop Auckland (Town).  He retired on 31st December 1986.

After his retirement he continued to ride his own motorcycle for several years.

Keith is survived by his daughter Ann and grandson Marcus.

A funeral service is to be held at 09.30am Wednesday 17th June 2026 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to any charity of choice.

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Elm Road Workingmen’s Club, 20 Elm Road, Shildon DL4 1BH

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