It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Superintendent 239 William Percy Tate, who passed away on the 11th April 2018. He was aged 87 years old.
He does not leave a widow but leaves two children and three grandchildren.
Mr Tate joined Durham Constabulary on the 26th April 1952 and from HQ training he took up his first post at Crook then moved to Shildon in 1953, Chester Le Street in 1955 and Houghton in 1956 where he performed beat duties.
In July 1956 he became Detached Beat Officer for New Lambton area before performing the role of Scientific Aids Officer at Chester Le Street from January 1959 and he joined CID at Chester Le Street in 1962.
In October 1965 he was promoted to Sergeant 1521 and promotion saw him transfer to the role of Town Sergeant based at Bishop Auckland. In May 1967 he became Section Sergeant for Langley Park until his promotion to Control Room Inspector in October 1968.
September 1977 saw him promoted again becoming Chief Inspector 239 and becoming Deputy to the Superintendent, Comms. In September 1979 he became Deputy Sub Divisional Commander at Peterlee, later to move into the Sub Divisional Commander role at Chester Le Street in December 1980.
On Promotion to Superintendent in September 1982 he moved in to a role in Complaints and Discipline and he retired from this post on 30th April 1984.
During his service, Mr. Tate received 4 Chief Constable Commendations:
In 1957 – for persistent and intelligent enquiries resulting in the conviction of a man for larceny.
In 1961 – for efficiency and persistence which resulted in the conviction of 4 juveniles for offences of breaking and entering and receiving stolen goods. Also commended by Magistrates.
And in 1962 – for persistent enquiries resulting in the arrest of 5 men for shop breaking. Factory breaking with intent, grievous bodily harm and receiving. Also commended by Magistrates.
He was awarded the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in July 1974
The funeral service will take place on the 27th April 2018 at 1.30pm at Durham Crematorium, the service is not private.
Donations have been requested in lieu of flowers to the St.Cuthbert's Hospice.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time