Death of a Retired Police Officer: Superintendent David Edward Cromarty

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer: Superintendent David Edward Cromarty, who died in the QE Hospital, Gateshead on Saturday 22nd October 2022, aged 83 years.

David joined Durham County Constabulary in 1962 and following his initial training at Newby Wiske was posted to Stockton.  His next posting was in 1964, as a beat officer at Coxhoe before becoming a Cadet Training Instructor at Sedgefield Camp in 1968.  When the Police Headquarters at Aykley Heads was opened, he continued in Cadet Training at the purpose-built cadet training school.  He remained in cadet training until 1973, being promoted to Sergeant in 1971.

When he moved from cadet training, David performed Sergeant duties at a number of Sections within the Chester-le-Street division.

In 1978 he was promoted to the rank of Inspector and was posted to Bishop Auckland, followed by a move to the Traffic Department.  Between 1982-1984 he was a Recruitment Officer at Police HQ and when promoted to Chief Inspector in 1984 he worked in Durham City and Force Control Room.

David transferred from Durham to Bedfordshire Police in 1988, where he was promoted to Superintendent.  In 1991, he sustained a shoulder injury whilst tackling an offender who was causing damage to a Section Office.  He retired later that year after 29 ½ years’ service.

David is survived by his wife Maureen, son David (retired Ch Insp) and daughter Suzy (who resides in New Zealand), their partners Clare and Mick and their children and grandchildren.

A funeral service will take place at 11.00am Friday 11th November 2022 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Myeloma Cancer Research.

Our thoughts are with Maureen’s family and their friends at this sad time.

Death of a retired Police Officer: PC 996 John (Jack) Bennett

It is with great regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer: PC 996 John (Jack) Bennett (known affectionately as "Jailer Jack") who passed away in the Bannatyne Care Home, Peterlee on 11th October 2022, aged 88 years.

Jack served for 25 years before retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Dog Section and he and his Doberman Police dog "Kahn" won many competitions and awards.

He also played Indoor Bowls for the England and the National Police Team.

Jack was the early loved husband of Miriam who passed away in 2018. and is survived by his son Gavin and daughter Tracy.

The funeral will be held at Durham Crematorium at 11-30am on Tuesday 8th November.  

All colleagues and friends are welcome. Family flowers only please. A retirement collection will be taken which will go to Cancer Research.

Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

Death of a retired Police Officer: PC 1552 Alan Smith

It is with great regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer: PC 1552 Alan Smith, who died on 21st October 2022 aged 66 years.

His service in Durham Constabulary was based in Stanley, Consett and Durham City where he performed uniform uuty. Alan retired after 30 year's service in 2009

He is survived by his wife Allison and their son Jay.  He is also survived by his mother, brother and sister.

Alan died in St Cuthberts Hospice Durham, from an illness first diagnosed in 2018.

There is to be no formal funeral service as such as Alan didn't want to put his family through the ordeal.  His death is being dealt with by way of Direct Cremation

Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time

“After Six Months, We're Back” : Seaham Police Reunion

After what seems like years - it was 25th June, we are delighted to announce another get together for retired Police Officers,Support Staff and partners.

It will take place upstairs at The Marlborough, Charles Street, Seaham commencing at 3.00pm on Saturday, 3rd December, 2022.

This is an open invitation to all who served, worked or covered Seaham and Peterlee Sub-Divisions.

It will be an opportunity to renew old acquaintances, constantly saying, “I got the last one”, “Who’s that again?” and “Do you remember when……..?”

If you have any queries, will you kindly contact Joyce Teare either by SMS to 07747814879, or email to j.teare57@gmail.com

If you can think of anyone else who may not read this then please pass on the message.

For information, the bar is cash only, no cards or contactless.

We look forward to welcoming you on the 3rd December.

Death of a Retired Police Officer : PC 878 Derek Horn

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer, PC 878 Derek Horn, who died at St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington on Sunday 16th October 2022, aged 85 years.

Derek joined Durham County Constabulary in 1965.  His first posting was at Jarrow where he worked on Motor Patrols.  He transferred to Barnard Castle in 1970, before moving to Eggleston in 1976, where he remained until his retirement in 1989 as a result of ill-health.

Derek is survived by his wife Deleno, daughter Louise, daughter Michelle and her husband Lee and their three daughters, Hannah, Rebekah and Francesca.  Our thoughts are with them all at this sad time.

A funeral service will be held at 2.30pm Monday 31st October 2022 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to St Teresa’s Hospice, 91 Woodland Road, Darlington DL3 7UA

Our thoughts are with Derek's family and friends at this sad time.

Death of a Retired Police Officer: PC 1436 Colin Joseph HOGG

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of a retired Police Officer, PC 1436 Colin Joseph Hogg, who died unexpectedly at The Gardens Care Home, Darlington on Monday 17th October 2022, aged 83 years.

Colin joined Durham County Constabulary on 25th June 1962 and began his police career at Darlington; he later transferred to Control Room, before moving to the Motorcycle Section.  After a period on the bikes Colin worked at Bishop Auckland, before moving back to the Traffic Department, on both motorcycles and patrol cars, retiring on 28th November 1993.

Colin received seven commendations during his police service.

During his career, he played rugby for the No.2 District North East England team and captained Durham Constabulary’s rugby team.

Following his retirement from the Police Service, he took up employment as a Security Officer at Darlington Magistrates Court from 1994 until 1999.

Colin is survived by his wife Rita.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday 2nd November 2022 at St Williams Church, Barton Street, Albert Hill, Darlington DL1 2LP.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Our thoughts are with Rita and their friends at this sad time.