Published on | #WeAre50, General
The years may pass but the memories of our fallen heroes are never forgotten.
Former police staff who made the ultimate sacrifice are immortalised within an area of remembrance at our Lloyd House headquarters, and within a tribute at the West Midlands Police Museum.
It enables loved ones, the policing family and wider public to learn about, and forever remember, those who tragically lost their life during public service.
One of those we fondly remember is David Robert Brown who sadly died when his police motorbike was involved in a collision in July 1974. The father-of-one was aged 31 at the time.
His widow Linda recently visited the Roll of Honour in the reception area of our Birmingham city centre base and a further roll of honour at the museum in Steelhouse Lane to mark the 50th year of his passing.
She said David – who previously worked in Staffordshire before moving to the Ocker Hill team in Tipton – was well-suited to being a police officer.
Linda said: “It’s very sad folk lost their lives early but it’s good for people to learn about them.
“David was a very friendly person, he liked people and he liked company.
“He was ideal for the job, as a beat officer he was good because he could relate to people.
“There were a lot of tragic things which happened and David was sympathetic to that and was kind to people.
“He just wanted to help really, and I think that was the whole reason he went into the police force.”
Despite the tragedy, Linda was able to remember a lighter moment from when David was on duty in Wednesbury.
“There were odd things that happened. One night a fish wagon spilt it’s load across the road.
“Needless to say the next day police officers had fish on the menu!”
We hope to maintain the legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for many years and decades to come.
It’s the 50th anniversary of West Midlands Police and throughout the year we’ve been showcasing and remembering our heritage.
This has reflected on how policing has changed and progressed during the decades and included regular events and activities at the Lock-up.