Fed chair pays tribute to fallen officer

25 September 2020

The news that a Metropolitan Police officer was shot and killed this morning has shocked colleagues in Hertfordshire Constabulary and across the country, says the Force’s Federation branch chair.

Geoff Bardell said the thoughts of everyone within the Force would go out to the officer’s family, friends and colleagues and extended condolences on behalf of the Federation.

He explained: “When we lose a colleague, the whole police family, across the country mourns, and there are no words to describe how we are feeling right now. Our officers in Hertfordshire will be thinking of our brother today and, sadly, like we do for other fallen colleagues, forever more.

“We are here for any colleague who is affected or needs support.”

National Federation chair John Apter has also expressed his shock at the incident.

He said: “Policing is a family and when we lose one of our own in such a devastating way it affects us all. The dangers police officers face every day are very real and, sadly, as we have seen, can result in officers making the ultimate sacrifice. 

“There will now be an investigation and therefore it would be wrong to say any more at this time or to speculate, other than to say that our hearts are with the family of our officer who has been killed and all involved in this horrific incident.”