23/11/2009 - Press release from Cumbria Police Authority : Cumbria County Council

Cumbria Police Authority were deeply shocked and stunned to learn of the tragic death of Police Constable Bill Barker following the collapse of a road bridge at Workington in West Cumbria on Friday morning.

We offer our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Hazel, his children, and all his family at his devastating loss.

Police Authority Chair, Ray Cole, said:

“I had the privilege of being an operational police officer with Bill. He was a true professional through and through, a totally dedicated officer who loved his career and was respected by all of his colleagues.

“Cumbria Constabulary is like one big family. All its members, both operational on the ground and support staff, know each other and we all reflect with immense sadness that one of our finest has been so tragically taken from his family, doing what he so enjoyed, protecting others from harm.

“There is no doubt that the unprecedented weather Cumbria has experienced over recent days stretched all emergency and voluntary services to their limits. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the magnificent work these services have achieved under extremely dangerous and difficult circumstances.

“I wish to express the sincere gratitude of Cumbria Police Authority to all members of Cumbria Constabulary and police staff support personnel for their professionalism in performing their duties to the highest standards, especially following the harrowing and tragic loss of their colleague, Police Constable Bill Barker”.