A FORMER police officer in Warrington has been given a posthumous honour for his work supporting grieving families.

PC Rick Hooley was praised for his service as a family liaison officer at the first Family Liaison Officer awards ceremony held by road safety charity, Brake, in London last Wednesday, June 6.

PC Hooley had been an officer with Cheshire Police for 25 years – and was involved with the roads policing team for 16 years before he died in September.

He was an investigator for the serious and complex collision investigation unit, based on Museum Street in the town centre.

PC Hooley was nominated to receive the family award, by a family impacted by a crash that happened in a different country.

In nominating him, they said that he was able to clearly explain all of the different laws and processes involved, with the family fully supported.

This consistent communication and support continued over a three-year period, and the family hailed PC Hooley’s outstanding dedication and professionalism.

PC Hooley’s family were present to receive the award, with the constabulary represented by friend and colleague Sgt Neil Farnworth.

Supt Paul Beauchamp, who heads up the roads policing team at Cheshire Constabulary, said: "Our family liaison officers do a truly remarkable job and are wonderful ambassadors for Cheshire Police.

"They display compassion, professionalism and personal resilience – supporting grieving families through the most tragic of circumstances.

"PC Rick Hooley epitomised these qualities and is truly deserving of this recognition. I know that this means a lot to his family.

"I am pleased that Sgt Neil Farnworth was able to attend with the family and represent the force. Neil is due to retire and was a good friend and supervisor to Rick.

"This marks a touching end to a service largely dedicated to roads policing and road death investigations."

Helen Hargrave, director of victim services at Brake, the road safety charity, added: "Family liaison officers play a crucial role in supporting families following a road death or serious injury. We were delighted to receive such a high number of strong entries to our inaugural awards and it was inspiring to see so many excellent examples of support and care.

“Brake would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners, highly commended entrants and nominees for their excellent and continued dedication to supporting bereaved families.”