Tears shed for hero of Cumbrian floods

Nov 28 2009 by Kim Pilling and Lucy Collins, The Journal

A HERO policeman who was swept to his death in the Cumbrian floods had devoted himself to helping others cope with tragedy, mourners were told yesterday.

PC Bill Barker, 44, was commended for the support and compassion he showed as a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) to grieving families who had lost loved ones suddenly in road accidents.

Around 500 people who packed into his funeral service in his home town of Egremont were told it was ironic that his “beloved family” had to experience the very procedures that he perfected.

The Chief Constable of Cumbria Police, Craig Mackey, said it was now the force’s job to comfort PC Barker’s family.

PC Barker was directing motorists away from Northside Bridge in Workington when it collapsed.

The father-of-four plunged into the swollen waters of the River Derwent in the early hours of last Friday. His body was found later that day on a nearby beach.

The rains that have lashed the county gave way to rays of sunshine as people stood in silence outside St Mary and St Michael Church to their final respects.

The funeral cortege wound its way slowly through the small town, with six motorcyclists, and former colleagues, from Cumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit, accompanying the hearse.

The hearse was laden with flowers and the coffin was draped in the Union flag with his police helmet and a single red rose on top. They were flanked by floral tributes including “Dad” and “642” – PC Barker’s police number.

PC Barker’s green Kawasaki motorbike was parked at the cemetery gates, a reminder of his passion for motorcycles.

Colleagues formed an honour guard outside the church entrance to greet one of their own as widow Hazel, 45, and children Simon, 16, Melissa, 15, Daniel, 13, and Emma, seven, entered the church.

Delivering one of two eulogies to the congregation, Superintendent Gary Slater said PC Barker gave much time and energy in his role as a FLO.

This was recognised last June when he received a Chief Officer’s Certificate of Merit in recognition of his dedication to the role, he said.