Remembering PC Gavin Carlton

19 December 2021

West Midlands Police Federation has paid tribute to Coventry PC Gavin Carlton who was killed while on duty in 1988 and posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.

Gavin was 29-years-old when, on 19 December, his car crashed as he was pursuing two armed robbers who then shot him at point blank range.

West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke said: “Gavin paid the highest price in the line of duty; his death was brutal and shocking and remains so even today, 33 years later. It is a prescient reminder of the risks we take as a predominantly unarmed Force. Gavin had no chance to defend himself, but his legacy of courage and sacrifice lives on in all our hearts as we remember him.

“It was right and fitting that he was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct. We will remember him today as we remember and honour all our fallen colleagues.”