Teenage PC remembered

A young police officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty has been remembered after his family were awarded a special commemorative emblem in his honour.

PC Glenn Russell Corder was on his first nightshift and pursuing a suspected stolen car when the police car he was a passenger in collided with a tree on February 6, 1980.

The 18-year-old, who had been posted to Peterlee Station just two weeks beforehand, was rushed to hospital but sadly pronounced dead on arrival.

Now PC Corder’s family have been awarded the Elizabeth Emblem - a commemorative emblem recognising those who have lost their lives in the course of undertaking public service – and came to Police HQ earlier this month to meet Chief Constable Rachel Bacon.

PC Corder’s brother Rory Corder, sister and brother-in-law Robyn and Philip Boyes, niece Leigh and nephew Matthew, joined CC Bacon, Assistant Chief Constable John McAdam and Police Federation chairwoman, Louise Guest, for the afternoon.

The group viewed PC Corder’s name on both the force’s Roll of Honour in the memorial garden as well as his individual plaque within which pays tribute to all officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Force chaplain, Adrian Gatrill, said a special prayer to remember the teenager, from Whickham, who he said had a promising career ahead of him.

Speaking on the emotional day, Mr Corder said his brother was a popular young man who would try anything and had made their parents, Bob and Sheila, proud by joining the police service.

He said: “I was only 14 when Glenn died but I remember when we had his funeral there was a police guard of honour two-and-a-half miles long down to the church which was phenomenal.

“It’s now been 46 years for us but it’s still raw and it matters to remember Glenn so it’s nice to be able to come and learn a bit more about his service at police headquarters.”

CC Bacon added: “PC Corder made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others and although we can never erase that pain for his family, we never want to forget, so it was lovely to learn more about him from his loved ones in person.

“No one should ever go to work and not expect to come home again at the end of the day which is why it’s so important to recognise and remember those in our policing family who have left us far too soon.”