Christmas Greeting From The Chairman

As we near the end of a year that has seen the entire global population affected, to varying degrees,

by the pandemic virus Covid-19, we also near Christmas and the start of a New Year.

I am sure that the majority of us have heard of someone who has contracted this virus, with some not surviving its devastating effects. Let’s hope and pray that the introduction of the vaccination program provides a prompt stabilisation and reduction in infections, in the not too-distant future.
Whilst Christmas lock-down restrictions have changed a number of times recently due to the increase in infections, let us all abide by the governmental advice and stay safe and well during this very different festive season.
May I take this opportunity to wish all Durham NARPO Officers, Committee and Members, together with prospective members, a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthier New Year.
Raymond T Jones

Death of a retired Police Officer : DC 875 Patrick “Paddy” Joseph Farrell

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : DC 875 Patrick “Paddy” Joseph Farrell, Paddy died on the 10^th December 2020 aged 88 years.
Patrick Joseph Farrell joined Durham Constabulary on 7^th June 1952 and served at Consett, Birtley, Seaham Harbour, T&C Motor Patrols, Houghton Motor Patrols, Jarrow SIS, Sunderland SIS, HQ SIS, HQ CSU, Durham CID and Peterlee CID prior to his retirement in September 1978.
He also previously served as a Cadet Clerk with Durham Constabulary from the 9^th September 1948 to the 30^th April 1950 when he left to join RAF. Paddy was a NARPO member and served on the committee of the Durham Branch of NARPO for a number  of years up until his death.
Paddy was the much loved Father of Katherine and Paul and an adored Grandfather and Great Grandfather who will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at St Charles RC Church, Tudhoe on Wednesday 23^rd December 2020 at 09:30.
Friends are invited to stand at the back or outside of the church to pay their respects but must adhere to current restrictions.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to St Charles RC Church, Tudhoe
Any condolence cards are welcome and can be sent to 14 Alnwick Drive, Spennymoor, DL16 7GE

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 26 Stephen (Steve) Joseph Regan

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 26 Stephen (Steve) Joseph Regan, who died on the 30^th November 2020, aged 90 years.
Stephen joined Durham Constabulary in 1948 and served at Billingham, Tantobie and Gilesgate, when he transferred to the Dog Section in 1956.
In 1964 he was promoted to Sergeant and became a Dog Training Instructor at Harperley Hall, where he remained until his retirement, together with his Police Dog ‘Heidi’ in 1978.
From the early 1960’s he was involved in dog training across the North East of England.
After retirement he worked for a short time at Minsteracres, Derwentside, supervising young offenders sentenced to ‘Community Service’.
In the early 1980’s Stephen went over to Saudi Arabia, where he worked in an administrative position with the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO), dealing with animals going into the country.  He also set up a type of ‘Kennel Club’ process enabling the registration of pedigree dogs.
Upon his return to the UK in 1986 he set up his own Dog Training business, before selling it on in the mid 1990’s.
Stephen became a resident of West Lodge Care Home, Billy Row, Crook some 4 years ago, with the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and died of Covid related symptoms.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Stella; sons, Philip, Stephen and Stewart and daughter Clare and their respective spouses, Mary, Eleanor, Nicola and Marcus; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren and brother, John.
A funeral service will be held at 11.15am Monday 14^th December 2020 at St Cuthbert’s RC Church in Crook but due to the current restrictions this will be held for Family only.
The family have requested that no flowers are sent, any donations in lieu to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Our thoughts are with all the family at this sad time.

Newly promoted Sgts Course 1988/9

Many Thanks to Paul Goundry for this photo of his newly promoted Sgt’s course from 1988/9

L to R : Insp. Gordon Smith (Instructor) , Sgt Max Newby, Sgt Tim Wilson, Sgt Paul Garfoot, Sgt Barry stainthorpe, Sgt Bruce Turnbull, Sgt John Watts, Sgt Paul Goundry, Sgt Eddie Bell, Sgt Graham Hall, Sgt Rick Wood, Sgt John Todd & Sgt Jamie McAloon (Instructor).

HQ Transport Pool 1972 ?

HQ Transport Pool (Believed 1972)

Can anybody help out with names please. (Email to : durhamnarpo@gmail.com)

Front Row L to R : Jack ?  (was the PC who went with the Prison Van round Div Offices picking up prisoners on remand to be taken to Durham Prison.) Supt Bill Askew, Ch Supt Bill Harper (in civvies) Sgt Rowell (i/c Transport Pool) PC Billy Hall.

Middle row L to R is : Joe Duningham, ?????

Back Row : Ozzie , ???

HQ Traffic Branch 1972

HQ Traffic Branch 1972

L to R : Back Row : Sgt Errington, Sgt Hillary, Sgt Colgrave, Sgt Jones, PC Dent, PC Scot, PC Naylor

L to R : Centre Row : Sgt Smith, Mary French, PW Fraser, G Smith, N Parkinson, A Daglish, PW Bartley,Audrey Fidiam, PC Hall

L to R : Front Row : Ch Insp Kirkup, Supt Thompson, Supt Askew, C/Supt Harper, Supt Usher,Ch Insp Rutherford, Insp Dent

Names were taken from the rear of the photo which are faded so if anybody can correct or add first names please email durhamnarpo@gmail.com and well be able to update the info.