Elizabeth Emblem and Commemoration - DC James Brian Porter

 A deserving remembrance and acknowledgement to the late Detective Constable James Brian Porter recently took place.

Jim was fatally shot on 4th March 1982, at Woodhouses, Bishop Auckland. 

On Tuesday 10th December 2024, Jim's son and daughter, Brian and Tracey attended Windsor Castle by formal invitation of the Royal Household.  

There they were presented with the Elizabeth Emblem and Commemoration Scroll by His Majesty, King Charles.  A very proud and emotional milestone for the whole of the Porter family.

Named after the late Queen, the Elizabeth Emblem is presented to the next of kin of police officers, firefighters and public servants, who died in the line of duty.  

The Emblem is inscribed 'FOR A LIFE GIVEN IN SERVICE'.

Death of Retired Police Officer: Detective Constable 1437 Derek Mapp

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of retired Police Officer, Detective Constable 1437 Derek Mapp, who died in Darlington Memorial Hospital on Sunday 24th November 2024, aged 90 years.

Derek joined Durham County Constabulary on 26th June 1962 and served at Bishop Auckland, Crook and Crime Support Unit.  Most of his police career was served in C.I.D.  He was medically retired in December 1985.

Football was Derek’s main passion; he was a Referee for local clubs, before signing up as a Football League Referee with the Football Association in 1967.  He had been a Durham County Referee for some 24 years and became a Referee Assessor.

Derek leaves wife Christine, son Peter, daughter Vivienne, daughter-in-law Clare and son-in-law Edwin and grandsons Jonathan and Christopher.

A funeral service is to be held at 2.30pm Monday 9th December 2024 at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PE

The family have requested that something red be worn.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Prostate Cancer UK

After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Bishop Auckland Golf Club, Durham Road, Bishop Auckland DL14 8DL

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

Death of Police Widow: Patricia (Pat) Mary Vallack

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Police Widow, Patricia (Pat) Mary Vallack, who died on Thursday 14th November 2024, aged 89 years.

Pat was the wife of retired Police Sergeant 627 Joseph Vallack, who died in October 2007, aged 73 years.

Pat is survived by son Mark, daughters Louise and Debbie and grandchildren Joe, Rob, Aidan, Jess and Ben and great grandchildren Hera, Derek and Rory.

A funeral service is to be held at 12noon Wednesday 11th December 2024 at Darlington Crematorium, Carmel Road North, Darlington DL3 8RY

No flowers, donations in lieu to the donor’s own preferred charity.

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