It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, PC1712 William (Bill)Simpson, who died at home at Burnhope on Saturday 17th December 2022,aged 69 years.
Bill was appointed by Durham Constabulary on 1st May 1972 and underwent his initial training at Newby Wiske, North Yorkshire. He served at Bishop Auckland, West Auckland, Coundon, again at Bishop Auckland (Assistant Jailer) and finally at Barnard Castle.
Bill also carried out a period of duty in 1982 as Temporary Detective Constable and it was during that time that he and the late James (Jim) Brian Porter attended a report of a robbery at Chamberlain Phipps’ factory at Greenfields Industrial Estate, Bishop Auckland. He was stood alongside Jim when shots were fired at them. The two officers fell to the ground, Jim being fatally wounded, the event played heavily on Bill’s mental health.
He medically retired on 11th March 1999. following this incident,
Bill was one of three officers to be awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.
Bill is survived by his son Peter, daughter-in-law Katharine, his grandchildren and great grandchild.
A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am on Tuesday 1st August 2023 at Stranton Crematorium, Tanfield Road, Hartlepool TS25 5DD, just off the A689 (Opposite Morrisons Petrol Station).
The funeral is NOT private and the family request that where possible, you wear something with a touch of blue.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to Suicide Prevention UK (https://www.spuk.org.uk/)
Following the funeral, friends and colleagues are invited to join the family at The Causeway Public House, Church Row, Hartlepool TS24 7QT.
Our thoughts are with Bill’s family at this sad and tragic time.
We would encourage as many as possible of Bill’s friends and past colleagues to attend his funeral service. To assist the family with numbers, would those who are likely to attend please notify Ray Jones by text or email (07535261063 / rayjones2341@gmail.com)
