TRIBUTES have been paid to an award-winning chief inspector who helped keep the streets of East Lancashire safe for over 30 years.
Family man Shaun Sumner died peacefully at the Royal Blackburn Hospital following a short illness at the age of 66 on February 19.
Mr Sumner, who was born in Church, passed away almost six years to the day after his brother Alan, who was also an inspector with Lancashire Police.
Mr Sumner, who later moved to Whalley, joined the police cadets at the age of 17 and by the time he was 18, had won the police cadet of the year award.
He went on to qualify as a police officer, rising through the ranks during his career and being recognised for the work he did.
His daughter, Nina Sumner, said: "He won several awards across his career including commendations for good police work, long service, life saving, and perhaps most notably, the William Garnett Cup along with his colleague then PC Neil Smith.
"The William Garnett Cup is presented annually to the officer performing the most gallant deed which was featured in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in 1982."
An article published in the newspaper at the time described how Mr Sumner and Mr Smith had displayed 'great courage' in disarming and arresting a man who was armed with a large knife and who had been acting in a threatening and aggressive manner.
Nina continues: "He always said ‘it is not the taking part that counts, but the taking part with the intention to win’- something which stayed with him in his career when he was promoted to chief inspector of fire arms in Hutton in 1996."
Tribute has since been paid to Mr Sumner by the National Association of Retired Police Officers, in a statement which reads: "He did not suffer fools gladly and policed in a very firm but fair manner.
"It was said he was destined for a very senior position in the police but sadly health issues prevailed and he retired from the force.’
When he wasn’t working, Shaun loved socialising over a drink regaling police stories and restoring motorbikes.
He undertook many fundraisers for the community throughout his life including Macmillan Cancer, ELHT Scanner Appeal, motorbike rallies for the local Scouts and girl Guides and Langho Juniors’ Football Club.
He was a devoted family man and leaves behind his wife, Linda, and three children Kerrie, Alexander and Nina.
A further tribute written on a Help for Heroes donation page set up in Mr Sumner's memory reads: "Each day, Shaun gave his absolute best and worked his way up to Inspector. Anything he set his mind to received every ounce of his attention.
"He was a most dedicated and passionate member of the force and a supreme role model for others. When he wasn’t working, Shaun loved travelling throughout Europe on motorbike holidays with his biker friends. Dynamic, high-achieving and determined, Shaun had a great capacity for work and for getting things done.
"Shaun was a devoted and most proud family man and this family hero will be deeply missed."
A private invitation-only funeral will take place on Wednesday March 3 at Accrington Crematorium.
For details of the live webcast and how to donate to his cause, Help for Heroes, please find further information at https://herofunds.helpforheroes.org.uk/in-memory/shaun-sumner
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