Superintendent led by example
A RESPECTED chief superintendent at South Wales Police has been remembered for his dedication to protecting his community.
Tribute has been paid to Derek David Abraham following his death on November 19 aged 89.
Born and bred in Canton and Ely, Derek was educated at Canton High School.
He was one of five children and his father Ivor was a respected pre-war detective sergeant in Cardiff.
After completing his national service in the RAF, Derek followed his father and elder brother by joining the Cardiff City Police in 1950.
He spent the first six years of his service as a uniform constable before going into the criminal investigation department as a detective constable.
In the days when promotion was slow, Derek had 16 years of service before finally being promoted to detective sergeant and later inspector.
For those who were lucky to work with and under him, Derek led by example as a natural manager who inspired those he worked with.
As a professional, he was astute, thorough and dedicated to his duty.
He was knowledgeable, approachable, receptive, empathetic, and was renowned for his outstanding diplomatic skills.
As his career progressed Derek was promoted through the ranks and in 1976, following a period at B Division, Pontypridd, he became the Superintendent at Cardiff Central.
From there, he moved on to become Chief Superintendent for the then Cardiff Greater D Division at the now demolished Canton Police Station.
Responsible for the larger part of the city, which was mainly residential, Derek initiated and promoted local community policing methods that were emulated elsewhere.
In 1982, as both Pontcanna and Ninian Park fell within his division, Derek commanded the hugely successful operation for the visit of Pope John Paul to the city.
As a senior officer, Derek was regarded as the best “guvnor” to have.
He will be rembered for being supportive and being emphatically fair, and possessing a unique gift of helping one to overcome one’s prejudices.
Derek was a dedicated family man who was married to his beloved late wife Joan for over 64 years.
Together they had three children, later becoming grandparents and great-grandparents.