John joined Durham County Constabulary in 1948 and after 3 months of Initial Training at Plawsworth, was posted to Durham City. His next posting, 3 years later was to Seaham Colliery Section.
As the result of a simple stop check of a man (pre Police Radios), whilst serving at Seaham, and reporting the check once back at the Police Station, this man was located and subsequently arrested, clearing up a large number of outstanding crimes. Due to his involvement in this investigation, John was commended.
He was posted to Barnard Castle, Stainton Beat in 1955, which included the Army Camps at Streatlam, Barford and Humbleton. Whilst there, John contracted Asian Flu, believed to have been from one of the soldiers, on the regiments return from Hong Kong. Due to the serious effect this had on his health, resulted in a posting to Bishop Auckland as a Court Clerk.
John later trained as a Scientific Aids Officer (SAO), remaining at Bishop Auckland and later attended a CID Course at Coventry.
In 1973 he retired from the Police Service, after 25 years service, to pursue a career in teaching before his age would prevent this.
After training John took up employment with Ushaw Moor Comprehensive School, albeit this was only for a short period as he developed perforated ear drums, leaving him profoundly deaf.
His employment the took another turn and after further training he became an Electronics Technician with Durham University. He finally retired at the age of 65 years.
John is survived by wife June, son Paul, daughter Meg, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A private interment will take place, prior to a funeral service at 1.00pm Thursday 23 November 2023, at The Vineyard Church, 3 Aptec Enterprise Business Park, Darlington Road, West Auckland DL14 9PD.
Any donations in lieu of flowers to Alzheimer Research
Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends at this sad time.