PC Fiona Bone`s funeral held in Manchester
The funeral of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) PC Fiona Bone has brought central Manchester to a standstill as the public and police united again in paying their respects.
The funeral of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) PC Fiona Bone has brought central Manchester to a standstill as the public and police united again in paying their respects.
PC Bone, 32, was killed in a gun and grenade attack on September 18 while attending a suspected burglary in Mottram, along with PC Nicola Hughes, whose funeral took place yesterday.
She had been planning a civil partnership at the time of her death.
GMP Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy led the tributes to PC Bone.
“Helping people and building community spirit was at the heart of everything she did,” he said. Those who did not get the chance to get to know PC Fiona Bone wish we had.
Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: We stand together to support Fionas family, friends and colleagues during this devastating time. PC Bone fully embraced her role in the police service and it is with the greatest sadness that her life has been cut so tragically short. Her passion and dedication will remain with us forever.
Speaking at the funeral in Manchester Cathedral, Sergeant Stephen Miskell praised his colleagues warmth and dedication to her job.
Fiona represented the best that humanity has to offer the world but that makes her loss even greater, he said.
Chief Superintendent Derek Barnett, president of the Police Superintendents Association of England and Wales, also spoke at the service.
For the second day in succession, the city centre of Manchester has fallen silent in tribute to a young police officer killed on duty. The public and the police have stood shoulder to shoulder in sadness to mourn the loss of Fiona Bone a dedicated and professional Police Officer.
Fiona had been a police officer for just five years when her career was cruelly cut short by a senseless act of violence. But as her funeral took place, we should remember that police officers just like Fiona largely unarmed in Manchester and elsewhere are going about their business as usual and responding to emergencies and protecting the communities they serve. Our thoughts today are with Fionas family and colleagues, our prayers are for Fiona, and her enduring legacy will be the triumph of goodness over evil.
The Police Federation is selling charity wristbands in honour of the officers, with all funds raised donated to their families.