Chief constable pays tribute to officer who died after being hit by car
The chief constable of West Midlands Police has paid tribute to a serving officer who has died after being struck by a car on Thursday morning (September 21).
Sergeant Paul Frear, who worked at Wolverhampton LPA, was critically injured after being knocked over by a car in Tollhouse Way, near Smethwick Rolfe Street Station, while on his way to work.
The force said he “sadly died on Friday morning with his loving family around him”.
Tributes have been paid to the 45-year-old officer who dedicated his entire career to the communities, staff and officers of Wolverhampton.
He served for 21 years, having joined West Midlands Police in August 2002. He spent the past five years on Low Hill, Bushbury and Fallings Park neighbourhood teams.
In 2017 he won a Chief Constable’s Award for providing emergency first aid at the scene of a double stabbing outside a Wolverhampton nightclub. The victims both survived thanks to his swift action.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “We are offering all the support we can to his wife and their two children and his wider family too at this awful time.
“We know how deeply this will affect those who knew him and worked with him and indeed the whole policing family. As a mark of respect we will be flying the force flags at half-mast.”
West Midlands police and crime commissioner, Simon Foster added: “Sergeant Paul Frear committed his working life to serving the people of the West Midlands. He was a dedicated and popular member of the force throughout his 21 years’ service.
“My thoughts, and those of everyone within my office, are with his family, particularly his wife and children. I know that West Midlands Police will provide them with all the support they need.”
West Midlands Police said the driver involved in the incident has been assisting with its investigation.