Policeman who ‘just wanted to help’ remembered by widow after bike crash

David Robert Brown was killed in a road traffic accident 50 years ago
-Credit: (Image: West Midlands Police)


A policeman who died in bike crash is being remembered by his widow 50 years on. David Robert Brown, 31, was killed when his police motorbike was involved in a collision in July 1974.

The father-of-one has been immortalised at the West Midlands Police Museum. He is among a number of names of “fallen heroes” who died while serving in the force.

David’s wife Linda explained he had previously worked in Staffordshire before moving to the Ocker Hill team in Tipton. She told of his caring nature, describing him as well-suited to police work.

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"David was a very friendly person, he liked people and he liked company,” she said. “He was ideal for the job, as a beat officer he was good because he could relate to people.

"There were a lot of tragic things which happened and David was sympathetic to that and was kind to people.

"He just wanted to help really, and I think that was the whole reason he went into the police force.”

David's widow Linda visiting the West Midlands Police museums where her husband was immortalised
David's widow Linda visited the West Midlands Police museums where her husband was immortalised

To mark 50 years since the force was created, senior officers are “remembering our heritage”. There have been a number of regular events and activities at the museum, showing people how policing has changed through the years.

“The years may pass but the memories of our fallen heroes are never forgotten,” a police spokesperson said.

“We hope to maintain the legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for many years and decades to come.”

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