A police officer who tragically lost his life whilst on duty has been laid to rest, with colleagues gathering to pay their respects and bid their final farewell.
PC Mathew Parker, serving with Essex Police, was attending an emergency call on Wednesday 19 November along the A12 near Ingatestone when he was involved in a fatal collision. He died instantly in the incident, which did not involve any other vehicles, Essex Police confirmed.
The father-of-two enlisted with Essex Police in 2010, dedicating his entire career to West Essex, including stints with the Loughton Local Policing Team and, latterly, the Chigwell Roads Policing Team. An avid motorcycling enthusiast, he proudly owned a cherished Harley Davidson and held membership with the Iron Order motorcycle club.
On Monday, December 15, he was given a final escort by his road policing colleagues as he made his last journey before being laid to rest. Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: « It was the greatest privilege for Essex Police today to support Mat’s family in saying goodbye.
« Mat was loved deeply by his family and his Essex Police family. It was therefore only right today that we, Essex Police, stood shoulder to shoulder with his heartbroken loved ones and gave Mat and his family a full ceremonial policing funeral in tribute to his service to our county and of course his sacrifice in the line of duty. »
« I cannot imagine the pain felt by Mat’s family, but today we stand united with them in grief and love for Mat. I would like to thank every single officer and member of our policing family, from Essex and beyond, who has made today possible. The funeral directors, our colleagues at fire and ambulance and the crematorium.
« I would also like to thank the public of Essex – true to form your support for us all since Mat’s death has been humbling, thank you. Like every single member of Essex Police, Mat proudly served the people of Essex. Officers willingly run into the face of danger every day, and they do so knowing they might not make it back.
« Mat died responding to an emergency call to help someone he never met – he is a credit to Essex Police and British policing. Mat, may you rest in peace and ride free, I will forever be grateful for your service. »
A spokesman for Essex Police said: » On Monday 15 December, our brave officer PC Mathew Parker, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, was escorted by his road policing colleagues on his final journey as he was laid to rest.
« PC Parker, known affectionately as Mat by all who knew and loved him, was a dedicated team member of the Chigwell Roads Policing Unit where he was a motorcycle officer. In tribute to his love of the job and motorbikes, the men and women of Essex Police, UK policing, blue light services and biker clubs turned out in force to honour Mat and accompany him and his loved ones to his final resting place. »
Mat and his family departed from the family home in Loughton on a procession that included: his favourite pub The Hollybush in Loughton; his policing base at Chigwell Roads Policing Unit where colleagues formed a guard of honour; Loughton Fire Station where firefighters stood in line and bowed their heads in respect; and Loughton Police Station where colleagues also assembled and bowed in tribute.
An Essex County Fire and Rescue engine and an East of England Ambulance Service vehicle joined the convoy as a mark of respect to Mat and his dedication to road safety throughout Essex. The Blue Knights, the Iron Order and Copperheads biking clubs took part in the procession and funeral in recognition of Mat’s passion for motorcycles.
The funeral cortege, escorted by Mat’s motorcycle colleagues from Chigwell, then transported Mat alongside his family to Parndon Wood Cemetery and Crematorium. A further guard of honour assembled outside the crematorium as the father-of-two was carried in by his colleagues and members of the biking community to be laid to rest.
A modest group of representatives from police forces across the nation, including Kent, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of London, Norfolk, Suffolk and the Metropolitan Police, joined Essex Police and Mat’s family in bidding him farewell.
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