Tributes to hero PC Bill Barker who died saving Cumbria flood victims

Nov 21 2009 The Journal

THE widow of a North policeman who was swept to his death as he helped motorists stranded in devastating floods spoke last night of her pride for her “best friend”.

PC Bill Barker was swept away by the swollen waters of the River Derwent near Workington early yesterday as Cumbria was deluged by the highest level of rainfall measured in England since records began. Forecasters said 314mm – more than a foot of rain – fell in 24 hours, in what they described as a “historical event”.

The rain devastated large parts of the county and beyond – sweeping away bridges, closing roads and forcing hundreds of people from their homes.

PC Barker would have celebrated his 45th birthday today. He had been directing motorists away from Northside bridge in Workington when it collapsed at about 4.40am yesterday.

The officer, from Egremont, served with Cumbria Police for 25 years and leaves a wife, Hazel, and four children.

His widow paid an emotional tribute to her husband.

“How do you put into words how you feel about somebody you are so proud of?” she said.

“Bill was my best friend, my forever friend, and an amazing dad. Even when he was exhausted from work he would always take time out for the kids. I have the comfort of knowing that Bill died doing the job he loved, and the fact that he was helping others is just typical Bill.”

Cumbria Police chief constable Craig Mackey said PC Barker was “a wonderful police officer and a real family man“.

He said: “Bill is a hero who died saving the lives of others and our thoughts are with his family at this devastating time. He was a much loved friend, colleague and an inspiration to everyone he knew - he will be sadly missed.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown described the police officer as “a very heroic, very brave man”.

He said: “I think we owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for the service he has shown.”

PC Barker’s body was found on a beach in nearby Allonby.