Officer Rosie Prior honored at York Minster. Over 800 attend, remembering Prior’s service and sacrifice after a fatal accident.
The funeral procession marched through York’s streets. A piper and police horses led the way. Colleagues and flag-bearers lined the route. Chief Constable Tim Forber gave a speech. He said Rosie lived by her values and helped her community a lot.
Forber noted she put others’ safety before her own, acting like the best British police officers do. He addressed Rosie directly in his speech. They will protect communities, he vowed, and it would be in her honor. Her memory will never fade.
Forber mentioned she was the 10th officer who died on duty since the force started in 1974. She handled 800 incidents in two years, covering many kinds of emergencies. These acts showed her caring nature.
Being an officer meant more than a job. Her kindness went beyond her work hours; simply put, it was just her nature. Reverend Canon Timothy Goode welcomed everyone.
Goode said Rosie’s kindness impacted many lives and her courage helped many people too. He knew she’d be surprised by the crowd, noting the cathedral was full of love for Rosie. She was courageous and fun.
Rosie’s father, John Kinghorn, spoke fondly, saying, “We’ve been best friends for 45 years,” and adding, “We always will be.” He stated she found her calling later in life, when she became a police officer.
Her husband, Chris, made a statement, thanking everyone for their support. He said people’s kindness shines even in dark times. She died last month near Thirsk on the A19 at Bagby.
She stopped to help at a car crash there. A lorry then hit her and two others. Rosie and Ryan Welford, 41, died. Welford was in the original crash.
A teenage boy got hurt badly too, as he was a passenger in Welford’s car. The lorry driver, 65, was arrested. Police suspected dangerous driving caused death. He was later released while they investigated.