North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable paid a full and emotional tribute to PC Rosie Prior at her funeral service in York Minster today.
In his eulogy to the fallen officer, who died while on duty last month, he described her many qualities both as a policewoman, colleague, friend, wife and mother.
Here we publish the eulogy in full.
The eulogy from Chief Constable Tim Forber:
It is truly an honour to be asked to say a few words about Rosie today. In the days since her passing, I have had the privilege of speaking to her family; her closest colleagues; those who were involved in her training to become a police officer; and others who have been touched by her remarkable life.
They all described 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.
It was not until 2021, after a varied and accomplished career, that Rosie applied to join North Yorkshire Police. Her values are evident from the words she wrote in her application form to join the force:‘I want a career where I feel challenged every day… get to give back to the community, and have a positive impact.’
Let me partially repeat that… ‘I want a career where I get to give back to the community, and have a positive impact.’ There is no better motivation to become a police officer than this.
Unsurprisingly, Rosie was successful in her application, and she joined North Yorkshire Police on 22nd May 2022.
Training to be a police officer is not easy; learning law and procedure; studying for a degree; and undertaking many academic and practical assessments. Balancing this with family life was a huge challenge, but organised as ever, Rosie involved her family in this endeavour.
Visitors to her family home will have seen her legislation spreadsheet adorning the kitchen cupboards. Over dinner, her sons would regularly ask her to describe the key sections of the Theft Act and the Public Order Act, and then check her answers against the spreadsheet.
Rosie’s desire to help the public was replicated in her desire to assist her colleagues. She was described as headstrong – someone who knew exactly what she wanted to do – who would put herself forward to help anyone.
One of her colleagues told me quite simply this – ‘I would not have got though initial training without her.’ She described feeling anxious in advance of a practical assessment, and being invited to Rosie’s home where they practised and practised until they could both confidently deliver what was required.
Her team told me of ‘Rosie’s cards’ – her diligently written flash cards, which were always produced whenever someone was unsure or needed a reminder of a particular aspect of the law or procedure.
Just another example of her determination to be the best she could be and look after her colleagues in the mature, nurturing way that was her hallmark. As her career progressed, Rosie became a highly competent officer, attending in excess of 800 incidents here in the City of York.
A keen runner, she didn’t let anyone get away from her. On one occasion, Rosie had to chase after a young missing person who had run from the police on their arrival. Having caught her, the young girl in question pointed out that ‘by now the Police had normally stopped running’, to which Rosie replied, ‘I haven’t even started – I normally run 10 miles a day’.
Rosie encountered that same young girl a few more times, offering friendly advice and taking the time to provide empathy and understanding. The last time Rosie spoke to this individual, she herself was working with other young people to help them get back on track with their lives.
On another occasion, when dealing with a young person who had repeatedly gone missing, Rosie took the time to really understand why it was happening. She discovered the young girl had a love of horses and wanted to work with them if possible. So Rosie made some enquiries with local stables to support this young person in her ambition.
In 2023 Rosie assisted a family where a lady had died leaving a young daughter.
The family described Rosie as ‘so kind, patient and caring towards us’ at what was a devastating time. Rosie and her sons even took the time to make a bracelet for the lady’s daughter – a kind selfless gesture which had a really positive impact at such a difficult time.
These examples are typical of Rosie’s caring nature in action and show that being a police officer was so much more than just a job to her. Her kindness and her desire to help people extended way beyond the end of any shift. Put simply, it was her nature.
Of course, policing also requires bravery; an ability to manage conflict; and Rosie proved herself incredibly capable in this regard. She was proud of the fact that she had never had to draw her baton, relying instead on her ability to de-escalate situations through her ability to speak to people – to really connect with them.
She was described as having a maternal approach to conflict management. This was perfectly demonstrated when she attended an incident where two rather large rugby players, both in drink, were fighting with one another. Those of us in policing would describe such a situation as ‘a bit of a handful’.
Other officers may have been reaching for their baton, incapacitant spray, or even Taser. However Rosie, brave as ever, jumped straight between them and said firmly ‘stop this now’. Such was her confidence, presence and gravitas, that she gained immediate compliance. This is a skill we can all learn from.
So, 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.