Covid related deaths within Essex Police are a stark reminder of how tough the pandemic has been

22 February 2021

The death of a much-respected colleague from COVID-19 is a stark reminder of how tough the pandemic has been on Essex Police Officers, their Federation said.

Essex Police Marine Unit Special Constable Toby Speller sadly died after contracting the disease last month.

Just last week The Met Police confirmed COVID-19 had killed five of their serving officers.

It’s brought the devastating pandemic into sharp focus for Essex officers who recently lost two other colleagues in non-COVID-19 incidents.

Their deaths which have been hard to take, said Laura Heggie Essex Police Federation Chair, and the loss is compounded because they haven’t had the send-off and tribute, they all deserved because of social distancing regulations.

“The last five weeks have been especially hard for everyone,” she said.

“It’s not just the three serving officers that have died, it’s also the number of retired officers who have passed away we’re getting notified about.

“It’s not necessarily COVID-related but it just feels like death is all that is spoke about at the moment.

“What colleagues are finding really hard is that colleagues who are passing away aren’t getting the send-offs they should and deserve because the COVID restrictions around funerals.

“I think it’s also preventing the grieving process for so many people. It’s the acknowledgement and that coming together we normally have after a colleague or friends funeral, we’re not getting, which is really hard and impacts as all emotional and mentally.”