Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough who tragically died on duty on Saturday 22 August. It is always a sad and terrible day when the wider police family loses one, or as in this case, two of its members. The tributes that I have seen for the Officers instil just how dedicated, professional, passionate and kind they were – both at home and at work.
I also want to offer my sympathies to the ex-colleagues of PC Clough, who previously worked at Sellafield in West Cumbria as a Civil Nuclear Constabulary Officer. The tragic death of any Officer effects Constabularies nation-wide but that impact is greater when it is one of your own.
The Union Flag at Police HQ is rightly flying at ‘half mast’ to recognise the wider police services tragic loss and to recognise the loss of two serving officers from Cleveland Constabulary.
It is also a sad and stark reminder that Police Officers put their lives on the line every day to protect the public. It is a selfless job that is driven by Officers and Staff that want to protect their communities and keep the public safe, and I want to say ‘thank you’ to all Officers and staff across Cumbria and the UK that keep our nation safe.
David Allen
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner