Death of a retired Police Officer : PC 729 David Matthew BEST

It is with deepest sadness that we have to advise colleagues of the death of a retired Police Officer : PC 729 David Matthew BEST who died on Tuesday 21^st June 2016, aged 67 years.
David initially joined Durham Constabulary on 31^st August 1965 as a Police Cadet before being appointed as a constable on 23^rd October 1967.  After initial training at Newby Wiske David was posted to Darlington where he completed his probationary period before moving to Durham in November 1969.  In June 1971 he moved into Traffic where he served in various roles until January 1983 when he transferred to Chester-le-Street.  In January 1989 he moved into Control Room where he served until November 1998 when he returned to Chester-le-Street.  In January 2001 he transferred to Durham City and it was from here that he retired on 7^th October 2001.
David leaves a wife Valerie, and daughters Tracey-Ann and Victoria and four grandchildren
Funeral service is to be held at 3pm on Wednesday 29^th June 2016 at Durham Crematorium. 
Family flowers only.
Donations in memory of Dave can be made  to St Cuthberts Hospice, Park Road, Durham.  A collection box will be available at the crematorium for anyone attending the service who wishes to make a donation.
Friends and former colleagues are invited to join the family after the service at The Honest Lawyer, Croxdale Bridge, Durham DH1 3SP.
Our  thoughts are with David's family and friends at this sad time.