Special Constable dies after motorway collision
Tributes have been paid to a dedicated special constable with a promising future in policing who died after a motorway collision.
Tributes have been paid to a dedicated special constable with a promising future in policing who died after a motorway collision.
SC Samantha Derbyshire, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), was hit by a HGV on the M61 in the early hours of July 4.
It is believed the 23-year-old had exited her own vehicle to check for damage after it collided with the central reservation and was rendered unmovable.
SC Derbyshire had worked in the Special Constabulary since January 2015, and had recently passed her entrance exams to join GMP as a police constable later this year.
According to her family, joining the force was all she [had] ever wanted to do.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: First and foremost, my heartfelt condolences are with Samanthas family at this deeply distressing time and we are doing all we can to support them.
Not only was Samantha a serving member of police staff but she dedicated her own time to helping others as a special constable in Bolton.
She had also recently been successful in her application to become a police officer and this mornings tragic incident means she will sadly not get the chance to fulfil her dream.
To be taken from her family and friends at such a young age is terrible and a great loss to the force; she will be greatly missed.
Chief Inspector Mike Walmsley, of GMPs Special Constabulary, added: All of Sams colleagues are devastated by the loss of such a happy, dedicated and positive member of the Bolton team and GMP Special Constabulary.
Sam was passionate about working in the police and making a real difference in the communities she loved to serve.
Sam was both highly respected and liked by all who were fortunate enough to work with her. She made her first arrest only hours into her first tour of duty and has impressed since. Sam will be greatly missed by all of us who knew her.