DC Jim Porter’s family attend national Ceremony of Remembrance

The family of DC James Porter attended a special ceremony this week to remember police officers and staff from across the country who have been killed on duty.

DC Porter was tragically shot and killed while confronting suspects from an armed robbery in Woodhouses, Bishop Auckland, on March 4, 1982. He was just 31.

A memorial plaque lies at the site in Tindale Crescent, which is now a housing estate.

His family, together with Chief Constable Rachel Bacon, attended the service of remembrance at the UK Police Memorial, in Staffordshire, honouring the courage, service and sacrifice of nearly 5,000 police officers and staff who have given their lives in the service of others.

Sergeant Luke Deakin also attended as standard bearer for Durham Constabulary.

To coincide with the Ceremony of Remembrance, the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust launched a digital tribute wall, allowing families, friends and colleagues to leave lasting messages of remembrance linked directly to an individual’s citation on the Police Roll of Honour.

Speaking afterwards, DC Porter’s family said it had been an emotional day, but it was important to remember him and all those who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

DC Jim Porter’s actions that day were beyond the call of duty and were a testament to his dedication to being a police officer.

These courageous actions may have taken place more than 44 years ago, but they will never be forgotten those in Durham Constabulary.