Fallen police officer to be remembered during charity cycle challenge

A police officer who tragically lost his life in a car accident will be honoured by colleagues during a special charity cycle challenge.

PC Jonathan Green was driving home from work when he was involved in the collision at Whorlton Crossroads, near Barnard Castle, in 2004.

PC Green, who was known to his friends and colleagues as Johnny, was only 23 when he lost his life.

Now, twenty years on from the tragic incident, he will be remembered by colleagues as they unveil a memorial plaque in his honour at Barnard Castle Emergency Hub.

The remembrance event takes place tomorrow (May 15) and forms part of a charity cycle ride which will see participants cycle more than 100 miles around County Durham and Darlington, visiting every police station on the way to raise money for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS). 

The charity is dedicated to helping the families of police officers and staff who have lost their lives on duty.

Around 15 staff and officers from Durham Constabulary will take part in the ride, including Assistant Chief Constable Tonya Antonis and Inspector Ed Turner, who both retire this month.

ACC Antonis joined Durham Constabulary as Assistant Chief Constable in February 2022. During her 28-year career, she has held a variety of roles, specialising in safeguarding and managing many high-profile investigations into child abuse, sudden unexplained deaths in children, adult abuse, honour-based abuse, sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Away from work, she has represented Great Britain in the gruelling sport of triathlon and won silver at the 2010 Duathlon European Championships in France.

Inspector Turner joined Durham Constabulary in July 1994 where, at the age of 24, he joined the team in Bishop Auckland. He then went on to serve in a variety of roles in response, neighbourhoods, and custody, before joining the former Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit in 2010, and later becoming neighbourhood inspector for Teesdale and Weardale in 2018.

ACC Antonis said: “It has been an absolute honour to serve as Assistant Chief Constable at Durham Constabulary.

“From the moment I joined, I was struck by the pride people have in the organisation and how determined they are to do the very best for the people of County Durham and Darlington.

“I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of this team and will treasure my time spent at Durham.

“This ride will be a fitting way to end my time here – remembering and honouring those colleagues who have gone before, and who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting their communities.”

The charity event has been organised by Insp Turner.

He said: “It will be an honour as I leave policing to take part in this challenge and to cycle in memory of Jonathan.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my policing career - I’ve worked with some amazing people, who go over and above every day to help others.”

To sponsor the team, visit https://tinyurl.com/3u7cjj68