York fell silent today to pay its last respects to PC Rosie Prior.
A police guard of honour lined Duncombe Place for the York Minster funeral of PC Prior, who died last month while on duty.
A single piper and four mounted police accompanied the cortege to the West Door of the cathedral.
Flag bearers dipped their flags as the cortege passed.
Many well wishers gathered near the Minster to pay their respects.
At the West Front, the pallbearer party, selected from PC Prior’s close friends and colleagues, brought the coffin up the steps and into the cathedral. The officer’s police cap was placed on top of the casket.
A congregation of about 800 people stood as the procession made its way along the Nave.
The Reverend Canon Timothy Goode welcomed everyone to the funeral service.
He said: “Rosie was a devoted wife to Chris, a loving mother, a cherished friend and a respected and much loved colleague. Her kindness, courage and unwavering commitment to helping others affected the lives of so many.
“It should come as no surprise to us, but I am sure it would have come as a surprise to Rosie, that this magnificent cathedral is full – packed full of people whose lives she touched and packed full of love for the person that Rosie was: courageous, fun, compassionate and all alongside that unwavering thirst she had for justice.”
North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Tim Forber paid an emotional tribute to the fallen officer in his eulogy.
He described her as “a determined person, driven by her values, who was exceptionally diligent and organised; balancing her many roles as a loving mum, wife, daughter, sister, and to us, her work family, a much admired and committed colleague”.
Chief Constable Forber went on: “To conclude, our Rosie – and that is how everyone in North Yorkshire Police now think of her – lived by her values, and absolutely delivered the positive impact she desired on the communities she served.
“The City of York and the County of North Yorkshire owe her a debt of gratitude for her service.
“Rosie is the tenth North Yorkshire Police Officer to die in the line of duty since the current force was formed in 1974. Like police officers the length and breadth of this country do every day, she placed the safety of the public before her own safety.
“In doing so she acted in the finest traditions of the British Police Service. I address my final words to Rosie.
“We will continue to protect the communities we serve, and we will do so in your honour, and the honour of those that have fallen before you. We will also ensure that your memory – your contribution – and your sacrifice are never ever forgotten.
“PC 949 Rosie Prior – May you Rest in Peace.”
PC Prior’s father, John Kinghorn, told those gathered in the Minster: “We’ve been best friends for 45 years and always will be.”
Mr Kinghorn said his daughter “discovered her true vocation” when she joined the police.
“She absolutely loved the work,” he said.
And he fought back tears as he described his daughter as “our forever conquering hero”.
The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Dominic Barrington, told the congregation: “The outpouring of grief at her sudden and tragic death last month will, I deeply hope, remind and reassure not just her family and friends, but people across this city, county and country, that the approval, respect and affection of the public continues to underpin the relationship between our police forces and the public.”
PC949 Rosie Prior, who was born in Leeds, joined North Yorkshire Police in May 2022 as a student officer before joining the Response team in York.
She died last month after she came across a road collision on the A19 at Bagby, North Yorkshire.
She was standing on the verge when she and two others were struck by a lorry.
The officer and Ryan Welford, 41, from Knaresborough, who had been involved in the first collision, died at the scene.
A teenage boy, who was a passenger in Mr Welford’s car, was seriously injured.
PC Prior leaves her husband, Chris, and two young children.