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Flood death officer laid to rest | Flood death officer laid to rest |
(10 minutes later) | |
Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of a Cumbria Police officer who died while helping others during last week's floods. | Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of a Cumbria Police officer who died while helping others during last week's floods. |
Pc Bill Barker had gone to the aid of a motorist on Northside Bridge in Workington when it collapsed. | Pc Bill Barker had gone to the aid of a motorist on Northside Bridge in Workington when it collapsed. |
The hearse was escorted to St Mary and St Michael's Church in his home town of Egremont by motorcyclists from the force's roads policing unit. | The hearse was escorted to St Mary and St Michael's Church in his home town of Egremont by motorcyclists from the force's roads policing unit. |
Ten officers made a guard of honour as the coffin was carried into the church. | Ten officers made a guard of honour as the coffin was carried into the church. |
It was draped with a union jack with Pc Barker's helmet on top. | It was draped with a union jack with Pc Barker's helmet on top. |
Six officers and close personal friends acted as pallbearers. | Six officers and close personal friends acted as pallbearers. |
Sad day | Sad day |
The service was attended by hundreds of friends and colleagues as well as family members. | The service was attended by hundreds of friends and colleagues as well as family members. |
Mourners lined the streets of the town as the cortege passed. | Mourners lined the streets of the town as the cortege passed. |
During the ceremony the Reverend Richard Lee, said: "Family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and those who knew him from afar have come together united in grief for the loss of someone special. | During the ceremony the Reverend Richard Lee, said: "Family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and those who knew him from afar have come together united in grief for the loss of someone special. |
Pc Barker was described as a dedicated officer | Pc Barker was described as a dedicated officer |
"He affected people in so many ways." | "He affected people in so many ways." |
Witnesses said the father-of-four had gone to the aid of a car on Northside Bridge when it collapsed on 20 November. | Witnesses said the father-of-four had gone to the aid of a car on Northside Bridge when it collapsed on 20 November. |
His body was later found on a beach 10 miles away, on the eve of his 45th birthday. | His body was later found on a beach 10 miles away, on the eve of his 45th birthday. |
After the funeral, Chief Constable Craig Mackey, said: "Today is a very sad day. | After the funeral, Chief Constable Craig Mackey, said: "Today is a very sad day. |
"Cumbria Police has lost a dedicated and committed officer who spent 25 years serving the community of Cumbria. | "Cumbria Police has lost a dedicated and committed officer who spent 25 years serving the community of Cumbria. |
"He was clearly more than just a police officer, and the thoughts of everyone in the constabulary are with [his wife] Hazel, his four children and family and friends." | "He was clearly more than just a police officer, and the thoughts of everyone in the constabulary are with [his wife] Hazel, his four children and family and friends." |
Ray Cole, Chair of Cumbria Police Authority, said: "It was a privilege, pleasure and honour to work with Bill in my former role as an officer with the force. | Ray Cole, Chair of Cumbria Police Authority, said: "It was a privilege, pleasure and honour to work with Bill in my former role as an officer with the force. |
"He was greatly respected by all his colleagues, a dedicated officer and family man, and a true professional who loved his career. | "He was greatly respected by all his colleagues, a dedicated officer and family man, and a true professional who loved his career. |
"He was an ambassador for the constabulary and will be missed by everybody." | "He was an ambassador for the constabulary and will be missed by everybody." |
Following the church ceremony, there was a private burial service at Egremont Cemetery. | Following the church ceremony, there was a private burial service at Egremont Cemetery. |
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Colleagues turned out to pay their respects at the funeral service |