Latest news with #WestMidlandsPoliceFederation
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Police officers named in King's Birthday Honours
Three West Midlands Police officers have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list. Sgt Tim Rogers, retired Det Ch Supt Sam Ridding and retired Det Supt Nigel Walsh were each awarded the King's Police Medal. Ms Ridding was a response officer in Sutton Coldfield, before working her way up to lead the force's professional standards department. Mr Walsh worked in counter terrorism, while Sgt Rogers supports and trains police drivers. "Throughout their careers they have worked tirelessly to make a difference in policing and help others," said West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford. "This has ranged from assisting members of the public in their time of need, catching criminals and supporting colleagues." He thanked the officers for their contributions, and said the honours were well-deserved. Ms Ridding's career saw her take on roles investigating kidnapping, murders and corruption. The force said she was widely known among colleagues for her tenacity and relentless work to secure justice for victims and bereaved families. Mr Walsh worked in counter terrorism policing before his retirement earlier this year. Bosses at the force said he had strengthened relationships between policing and security services nationally, and developed ways to protect communities against terrorism. He has since returned to a staff role after retiring as an officer. Sgt Rogers has been secretary of the West Midlands Police Federation, and led a national campaign for law changes to help protect officers in pursuit of suspects or assisting victims. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Awards for off-duty PCs who stopped armed burglars Award nomination for PC who saved burning woman Fire rescue police couple put up for bravery award West Midlands Police
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Yahoo
Service for police officer killed 100 years ago
A ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the murder of a West Midlands Police officer "did us all proud", his grandson said. PC Albert Willits, an officer with Wolverhampton Borough Police, was 24 when he was fatally shot while trying to stop three young men in Vicarage Road on 18 January 1925. His grandson, David Willits, described the service in honour of his grandfather as "touching". His life was remembered at a ceremony at Wolverhampton Central Police Station attended by his family, as well as police officers and staff. Mr Willits said: "It was amazing to think it was 100 years ago and have a service dedicated to him and his memory was wonderful. "It was a very moving, poignant, and touching service. It was a little overwhelming. They did us proud." The service included a guard of honour, the playing of the Last Post, and a force chaplain led the gathering in a prayer. After the service, West Midlands Police Federation representatives laid a wreath at Albert Willits' grave and said a few words. Heritage manager Corinne Brazier, who helped arrange the anniversary service, said: "Albert's story is a poignant reminder of the dedication and sacrifices made by police officers to protect the public, prevent crime and catch criminals. "We wanted to remember and honour Albert, along with his family members, to ensure his legacy lives on. He will forever be part of our policing family." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. West Midlands Police West Midlands Police Federation
BBC News
08-02-2025
- BBC News
'Moving' service for Wolverhampton police officer killed 100 years ago
A ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the murder of a West Midlands Police officer "did us all proud", his grandson Albert Willits, an officer with Wolverhampton Borough Police, was 24 when he was fatally shot while trying to stop three young men in Vicarage Road on 18 January grandson, David Willits, described the service in honour of his grandfather as "touching".His life was remembered at a ceremony at Wolverhampton Central Police Station attended by his family, as well as police officers and staff. Mr Willits said: "It was amazing to think it was 100 years ago and have a service dedicated to him and his memory was wonderful."It was a very moving, poignant, and touching service. It was a little overwhelming. They did us proud." The service included a guard of honour, the playing of the Last Post, and a force chaplain led the gathering in a the service, West Midlands Police Federation representatives laid a wreath at Albert Willits' grave and said a few words. Heritage manager Corinne Brazier, who helped arrange the anniversary service, said: "Albert's story is a poignant reminder of the dedication and sacrifices made by police officers to protect the public, prevent crime and catch criminals."We wanted to remember and honour Albert, along with his family members, to ensure his legacy lives on. He will forever be part of our policing family." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
