Tears shed for hero of Cumbrian floods

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

“This award was as a consequence of numerous letters of appreciation from the families of those killed on the county’s roads, praising the support and compassion provided by the family liaison officers during extremely difficult times,” he told mourners. “His resilience in dealing with human tragedies and the commitment to investigative practice has done much to enhance the reputation of the constabulary.

“During the past week, his family have received numerous letters from parents, partners and families of bereaved who commented, and I quote from one, ‘That warm, caring man who did so much for us when we were in so much pain’.”

Detective Constable Jim Rooney, another of PC Barker’s closest friends, told mourners: “As a former FLO myself I can say without fear of contradiction that Billy was the best FLO in the whole organisation. His passion for the role was unstoppable.

“Bill joined the police to make a difference and he made a difference to so many families that were going through their own personal tragedies.”

Outside the church, a statement was read out on behalf of Mrs Barker and her family.

It read: “The last seven days have been the worst days of our lives.

“We have to come to terms with losing a wonderful husband and a devoted father to our four children.

“Bill was a police officer for 25 years, most of his service spent on the Roads Policing Unit, a job he was passionate about and loved dearly.

“He took great pride in his role as a family liaison officer, helping others cope with such tragedies as the one we are having to cope with today.”