Force comes together to remember Rob Ling
10 October 2022
West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke joined family members, the Chief Constable, the assistant Police and Crime Commissioner, and serving and retired officers on Friday for a memorial service in honour of DC Rob Ling.
Rob was fatally injured in South Africa on 7 October 2002 when an unmarked police car overturned while he was escorting two murder suspects as they were extradited. He was 27.
Rich was among those to address the service, which included Rob’s parents, Bob and Ann, along with Chief Constable Dave Thompson and others.
Rich Cooke addresses the service
The West Midlands Police Honour Guard was also present. A bugler played the Last Post at the end of the service which was led by police chaplain Matt Hopley.
“It was wonderful to see so many current and retired officers gathered to mark the 20th anniversary of Rob’s death and to meet his parents Bob and Ann Ling again,” says Rich, “Members of the police family will always remember Rob and keep his family in their thoughts.”
The Chief and assistant PCC lay wreaths.
Rich took the Federation’s welfare van to the event at Sutton Coldfield and was able to provide tea and biscuits to guests.
