We have such a sense of pride in supporting colleagues, says Yorkshire officer

OFFICERS AND police forces across the country yesterday added their voices to the tributes to Pc Palmer.

Pc Steve Richardson, a senior section officer with West Yorkshire Police, travelled down from Leeds to attend the service with 35 other officers. He shared photographs of his preparations and pictures of himself with Pc Molly Carnall when they arrived in London. “It’s a sense of pride to support your colleagues at this sad time,” Pc Richardson said. He added: “The thin blue line may be slightly thinner, but it certainly can’t be broken.”

Pc Barry Calder, of the Royal Protection Command, posted pictures on Twitter of his formal dress, including shining boots, white gloves and service medals. “It’s going to be a very emotional day but I’ll be proud that I wear the same uniform as Keith did,” he wrote.

In Gloucester, the city community policing team shared a tribute on Twitter of an officer lighting a candle at Gloucester Cathedral in memory of Pc Palmer.

A neighbourhood policing team shared a picture of a rose left outside Horncastle police station in Lincolnshire with a handwritten note saying “In memory of Pc Palmer”. Cheshire Special Constabulary posted an image of officers paying their respects near Southwark Cathedral.

Other emergency services also paid tribute. The London Fire Brigade tweeted a picture of their staff joining police to line the route of Pc Palmer’s funeral cortege.

The London Ambulance Service was also present, and said: “Today we join those lining the route to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of Pc Palmer.”