Top cop’s heartbreaking tribute to pal who died on way to work
A top police officer has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his friend who died after being hit by a car on his way to work. Sgt Paul Frear, of West Midlands Police[1], was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries[2] following an incident on Tollhouse Way in Smethwick[3] on Thursday, September 21
He had served with the force for 21 years and worked in Wolverhampton[4]. He spent the last five years on the Low Hill, Bushbury and Fallings Park neighbourhood teams.
Tributes poured in from across the country following the news. The chair of West Midlands Police Federation, Rich Cooke, paid tribute to the "lovely and supportive officer who had a great sense of humour".
He said: “I am devastated to hear this news, as I know so many colleagues who knew Paul and have worked with him over the years will be. I worked with Paul at Wolverhampton and knew him well - it is surreal thinking of him in the past tense.
"He was a lovely person, mild-mannered, measured [and] always supportive with a great sense of humour. I will miss our meetings and chats putting the world to rights.
“Paul had everything going for him - first and foremost a beautiful, loving family and our thoughts are focused on them at this desperately sad time. Rest in peace Paul we will never forget you.”
Sergeant Paul Frear was hit by a car on Thursday (Image: West Midlands Police/PA)
Sgt Frear won a Chief Constable's Bravery Award in 2017 for providing emergency first aid at the scene of a double stabbing outside a Wolverhampton nightclub. He saved the lives of both victims who may not have survived without his intervention.
The attack happened in and around Planet nightclub[6] in September 2017. Sgt Frear provided first aid to one victim while Pc Paul Bishop assisted the other man before ambulance crews arrived.
The team he was a part of were praised for their life-saving efforts as well as for capturing the person responsible. A 22-year-old man was jailed in 2018 for two counts of causing grievous bodily harm.
The officers were awarded a Chief Constable's Team Award and Royal Humane Society Certificate during a ceremony in 2019. Chief Insp Tom Chisholm said at the time: "This was a real team effort and their quick actions not only helped two injured men but also led to the arrest of their attacker."
Following the news of Sgt Frear's death, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: "Sgt Paul Frear committed his working life to serving the people of the West Midlands. He was a dedicated and popular member of the force throughout his 21 years of service.
"My thoughts, and those of everyone within my office, are with his family, particularly his wife and children. I know that West Midlands Police will provide them with all the support they need."
A police statement[7] read: "Police were called at 7.50am this morning, September 21, following a serious collision in Smethwick. A car and a pedestrian were in collision on Tollhouse Way, near Smethwick Rolfe Street station.
"A man, aged 45, has been taken to hospital and is in a critical condition. Tollhouse Way is currently closed in both directions. Any witnesses are urged to contact us on 101, quoting log 649 of September 21."
West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford praised Sgt Frear. He said the force would support his family at this difficult time.
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References
- ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ died from his injuries (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Smethwick (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Wolverhampton (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Tragic police officer who died on way to work was hero who saved knife victims and captured attacker (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ happened in and around Planet nightclub (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ police statement (www.birminghammail.co.uk)