A RESPECTED Ellesmere Port police officer has died just days short of his retirement from the force.
PC Alan Roberts died suddenly on Thursday at the wheel of his car in Overpool Road.
Originally from Wrexham, the 52-year-old officer joined the force in 1975 on front-line operations in Ellesmere Port and was due to retire this week.
It was in this area he developed his interest and skills in the field of public order training, teaching colleagues how to protect themselves against attack.
PC Roberts became a nationally accredited Police Support Unit instructor and in 1992 took up a full-time role delivering training across the force in public order tactics and evidence gathering.
Senior officers said his knowledge and expertise made him an invaluable tactical advisor when they were policing large public events and violent situations.
PC Roberts was also a very keen coarse fisherman and represented Cheshire Constabulary in the sport.
Acting Chief Superintendent Phil Charlton said: “Alan was a straightforward, down-to-earth, no nonsense police officer.
“He was a good man to have alongside you and dedicated much of his career in training officers to protect themselves in violent situations.
“Alan will be sadly missed by his friends and colleagues within the Cheshire Constabulary and beyond that in the local community.
“A proud father and grandfather, our hearts go out to Alan’s family at this tragic and difficult time.”
