Dozens attend funeral of police officer Peter Lawson

Friends, colleagues and officers joined his family at Charnock Richard Crematorium following his death on December 10.

He died at his home aged 50.

His Majesty’s senior coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen established that ACC Lawson died from natural causes.

The service followed a sombre and moving police guard of honour outside Chorley Police Station, involving hundreds of uniform and plain clothes staff.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson (Image: Police)

The funeral cortege stopped at St Thomas’s Road, with the funeral director walking in front of the cortege past an honour guard outside. Gary Crowe, superintendent for Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire, saluted the cortege before it departed to the crematorium.

Senior officers attended the service, including chief constable Chris Rowley, members of Lancashire Constabulary’s chief officer team, representatives from regional forces and former police chief officers.

Chief constable Rowley, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “This has been an extremely difficult time and I would like to thank everyone who attended, whether at Chorley Police Station or the crematorium, to pay their respects to Pete.

“The loss of such a popular and well-respected colleague has affected all of us, especially those closest to him, and I’d like to share my gratitude and admiration for the incredible strength and resilience officers and police staff have shown over the past couple of weeks.

“I am also proud of how many colleagues have come together today to pay their own tribute to Pete.

Guard of honour for Peter Lawson, outside Chorley Police Station (Image: Police)

“Pete was a hugely dedicated officer, serving Lancashire for 27 years, culminating in promotions to the rank of assistant chief constable through determination and experience.

“He worked in all areas of the county during his career, gaining knowledge in roles and ranks throughout Lancashire. But it was Pete's character and personality that was so warmly appreciated in all the places he worked.

“As well as being a great leader, his quick wit, compassion and reliability were just a few of the things that made him the incredible person that he was. The sheer number of positive comments about Pete upon the news of his death are testament to the individual that he was, having interacted with so many during the course of his career.

“As a force we will continue to support Pete’s family and honour his memory.”