FAMILY, friends and colleagues are mourning the loss of one of Lancashire’s most dedicated police cadet leaders, who has died aged 72.

John Terence Shorter, of Sabden, had served as a community roadwatch volunteer for Hyndburn Police for nine years before becoming a police cadet leader in Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley two years ago.

During that time Mr Shorter, who leaves beloved wife of 33 years Janice and son Martin, distinguished himself to his colleagues and community alike with his warmth, dedication and passion for his role.

PCSO Katie Ferguson, who served alongside Mr Shorter, said: “He had a really cheeky personality and was a great advocate for the cadets.”

She added: “He gave up his time as a volunteer, there’s no perks to doing it and he did it all for free from the goodness of his heart. He and all the volunteers and special constables, they all do such amazing things for no reward.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

John Shorter volunteered with the police for nine years

Prior to his role with the police Mr Shorter was an active figure in his community, having served on Sabden Parish Council.

PCSO Ferguson said: “He was very much an active member of the Sabden community and he will be sorely missed.”

Mr Shorter’s work with the police saw him take part in community roadwatch exercises, monitoring traffic for speeding cars, while leadership of the cadets saw him put his experience both with the police and as a former councillor to good use to give a guiding hand to young cadets.

PCSO Ferguson said: “We’re lucky to have people like him living amongst us.

"With the police when you often find yourself dealing with a lot of darkness, when you come across someone like that it really restores your faith.”

A tribute from Lancashire Police said: “John made a great impact within his unit, he was a warm, caring and thoughtful person who always put others before himself. He was loved by all, including cadets, leaders and parents, he will be sorely missed.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

John Shorter with son Martin

Mr Shorter kept us his work with the police for as long as possible until declining health along with lockdown restrictions forced him to scale back.

He died peacefully in hospital on February 16 and was laid to rest in a private ceremony at St Nicholas Church in Sabden.

Along with Janice and Martin, Mr Shorter leaves sister Muriel, brother Robert and their families and was also a well-loved nephew, uncle and cousin.

Donations in John Shorter’s memory can be made to St. Nicholas Church, Sabden or Rosemere Cancer Foundation care of Mr. B. Parfitt, 17 Pendleside Close, Sabden, BB7 9DJ.