Surrey Police have been reflecting on the life and service of a former officer who lost his life with the unveiling a special plaque at the Force HQ in Guildford.

Organised by the Surrey Police Retired Officers’ Association, the memorial was unveiled at a service at Mount Browne attended by policing professionals including former Surrey chief Brian Hayes and Police Authority Chairman Peter Williams.

PC Allen Mason succumbed to the injuries he sustained while attempting to arrest a military deserter in the town of Cobham during the summer of 1859.

He died in December and was remembered in the Surrey Comet newspaper as being “greatly respected both by the inhabitants and the members of the Force”.

Newly appointed Surrey Chief Constable Lynne Owens said it was vital that fallen officers were remembered. She added: “It is essential that all those serving now and in the future have a clear understanding of the history of the Force; understand what behaviour and demeanour was demanded from their predecessors and how the role of the modern police officer has evolved.

“It is essential that that learning is handed from one generation to the next.”

Speaking at the commemoration service, the Vice Lord Lieutenant for Surrey Mr Gordon Lee-Steer, said: “The death of PC Mason and his commemoration is a clear reminder that policing has never been easy and those that serve their communities, undertaking this difficult and frequently dangerous role, need our continuing support, gratitude and respect.”

The Surrey Police Federation has proposed that the major conference rooms at the HQ to be renamed to commemorate PC Mason and two other fallen officers.

Picture courtesy of Christian Duckett - CASPER