Relatives’ farewell to officer killed in motorcycle crash

RELATIVES OF a “treasured” police officer who died in a motorcycle crash while on duty gathered to say goodbye to him yesterday.

Pc Matt Lannie, inset, from Sheffield, was killed in the collision in April while responding to an emergency in the city.

Mr Lannie’s mother Cheryl Raybould described him as “kind and funny” while colleagues said he was a “larger than life character”.

His funeral was held at Grenoside Crematorium.

In a tribute, Ms Raybould said:

“Not only was Matt ex-military and a serving police officer, he was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, colleague and best friend to many. He had achieved so much in his career – and lived his life to the absolute brim out of the uniform too.

“He had a great sense of humour and a cheeky charm. The way he told a story would have everyone in fits of laughter – only he could get away with the banter he gave, as you could not help but love him and crack up laughing too.”

She added: “It broke our hearts to lose him and we miss him every day. He was such a special person, we hope he’s in a special place, we love him so dearly and he can never be replaced.”

Mr Lannie joined South Yorkshire Police in 2012 and in 2017 was transferred to the force’s Operational Support Unit, which he was still in at the time of his death on April 21.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson QPM said Pc Lannie made the “ultimate sacrifice” in keeping the community safe.

He said: “Matt died in the line of duty and dreadful events such as these serve to remind us of the great dangers that police officers confront every day in order to keep us all safe.

“Matt’s dedication to protect the public is testament to his courage and professionalism, he was an upstanding constable and to protect us he made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We must ensure that Matt’s memory lives on. Matt was loved by everyone and his kind and humorous nature is reflected in the conversations I have had with colleagues.”