Died while trying to prevent casualties during Cumbrian floods
Remembering police officer Bill Barker who died while working through the night in the Cumbrian floods on November 20, 2009.
He had served the communities of Cumbria with the county police force for 25 years and was directing motorists away from Northside Bridge when it collapsed beneath him.
He was due to celebrate his 45th birthday with his family the day after he died.
Craig Mackey, Cumbria’s chief constable, said: “Bill was a wonderful police officer and a real family man.
“He was directing motorists safely off Northside Bridge, saving lives, when the tragic incident occurred.
“Bill was a wonderful police officer and a real family man. He is a hero who died saving the lives of others and our thoughts are with his family at this devastating time.
“He was a much loved friend, colleague and an inspiration to everyone he knew - he will be sadly missed.
“His friends say he loved being a police officer and, a passionate biker, he was part of the constabulary's dedicated roads policing unit. He was a sterling officer and had won a number of awards throughout his 25 year service.”
