In November 1954, following 2 years National Service with the RAF, leaving with the rank of Corporal, Russell joined Sunderland Borough Police, posted to Sunderland, where he remained until 1958. In May of that year, he transferred to C.I.D. on a temporary basis; this appointment was made permanent in December 1961.
He was promoted to sergeant and transferred to uniform branch in May 1964, this included working in the Traffic Department. A transfer back to C.I.D. took place in March 1967.
In April 1968, Sunderland Borough and Durham County Constabulary amalgamated, and Russell took on the role of Acting Detective Inspector until 1969, when he was promoted to rank of Inspector in C.I.D., covering Consett & Stanley. During this period, he became involved with the force murder squad.
A further promotion to the rank of Chief Inspector in 1976 saw him seconded to No. 2 Regional Crime Squad as officer in charge of the mid-Durham branch office. Three years later, in August 1979, he was recalled to the uniform branch as Deputy Sub-Divisional Commander (Consett and Stanley).
In June 1980 Russell was promoted to Superintendent within the Force’s Complaints and Discipline branch, becoming Head of Department in June 1981. His final promotion, to Chief Superintendent, occurred in 1982, when he was posted to Bishop Auckland as Divisional Commander.
Russell retired on 7th November 1984 after 30yrs service.
During his 30 years service Russell received 5 commendations; 1 from the Chief Constable, 2 from Judges and 2 from Magistrates.
During his working life he was a keen fisherman and golfer and after retiring became more involved in these sports. He ended up running the Veteran’s Society at Garesfield Golf Club, where he later became Club Secretary. He enjoyed fly fishing at local reservoirs and Knitsley Mill, tying his own flies.
Being a lifelong Sunderland supporter, he and wife Audrey attended the opening game at the Stadium of Light against Ajax in 1997. Horseracing was another of his loves and, with his family, celebrated his 90th birthday at the first meeting of the season at Cartmel in Cumbria.
Ill health resulted in a move from his home at Shotley Bridge to a flat in an assisted living complex in Kendal, to be nearer his daughter and her family.
Russell was predeceased by wife Audrey in December 2021, after 65 years of marriage. He is survived by daughter Karen and her husband Stuart, son David and his wife Lesley, grandchildren Rebecca, Nicola, Louise, Lauren and Abbie, great grandchildren, Ethan, Isabelle, Harry, Zach, Ayvah and Elsey.
A private committal service is to be held at 12.30pm Tuesday 14th January 2025 at Beetham Hall Crematorium, Milnthorpe, Cumbria LA7 7BQ
This will be followed by an open ‘Celebration of Life’ service at 1.30pm at Sandylands Methodist Church, Kendal LA9 6EU, followed by a buffet.
Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Bowel Cancer UK www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Our thoughts are with Russell’s family and friends at this sad time.
