sábado, 19 de enero de 2013

Paul McKeever “He was outstanding": Tributes to police federation leader who ... - Mirror.co.uk

The champion of the rights of rank and file police officers has died just two weeks before retiring from a 35-year career in the force.

Police Federation chairman Paul McKeever, 57, became ill with a suspected embolism earlier this week and died in hospital yesterday.

The married dad-of-one became head of the Police Federation, which represents officers, in 2008.

He also served as an officer with the Metropolitan Police for over 30 years.

As one of the force's most visible spokesman he often clashed with the Government over budget cuts.

He recently became involved in the 'plebgate' scandal after encouraging former chief whip Andrew Mitchell to resign.

Metropolitan Police Federation chairman John Tully led the tributes to Mr McKeever today.

He said: "It has come as a total shock to everyone, it is completely out of the blue.

"He led the Federation through perhaps the most demanding time in history and was within two weeks of retirement.

"Sincere condolences go to his family, colleagues and friends at this very sad time."

Steve Williams, chair-elect of the Police Federation, added: "He was a truly outstanding chairman, and most importantly a truly outstanding police officer and man.

"A true gentleman, his leadership and reputation will be remembered highly by all those who knew him."

Mr McKeever was due to leave his post at the end of this month and had already handed over his role to Williams.

He announced his retirement in July last year saying: "I cannot stay within a service that is having the Office of Constable attacked, police officers denigrated and public safety put at risk.

"I will be able to fight freely outside the service; I may be retiring but I will not stop fighting for what is right and for public safety."

Mr McKeever led the federation through some of its toughest times.

He fought against the Winsor reforms, which sought to reduce a constable's pay to £19,000, and was also embroiled in the 'plebgate' scandal.

Tory MP Andrew Mitchell was forced to quit his Cabinet post over claims that he called police officers 'plebs' during a spat in Downing Street.

Mr McKeever added to the pressure on Mr Mitchell to step down by saying his resignation was "almost inevitable".

He promised to apologise to the MP if a new investigation found he was wrongly accused.

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes also paid tribute to Mr McKeever.

She said: "I am upset and distressed at the untimely death of Paul.

"This is a great loss to the police family. Paul was a fine police officer and a powerful and committed advocate for his members and for policing in general.

"My thoughts are with his family and friends. I have known Paul personally for many years.

"He was a thoughtful and compassionate leader. He had a wicked sense of humour and he will be sorely missed."

Mr McKeever was married with one daughter.

He started his policing career in 1977, when he joined the Metropolitan Police straight from London University.

He served in Lambeth Borough until 1989 and policed the Brixton Riots in 1981 and 1985.

He was elected to the Police Federation in 1992 before being appointed Federation chairman in May 2008.

Embolisms are foreign bodies, such as blood clots or air bubbles, which can block the flow of blood to vital organs.

They are a common health problem and a major cause of disability and death.

Every year in England 120,000 strokes are caused by embolisms, resulting in around 34,700 deaths.

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