A POLICE service was held yesterday at Trowbridge Police station in memory of PC Daniel Cooper, who died in a road traffic collision on February 1 2010 when responding to a call for assistance from his colleagues.

The memorial service, led by the Force Chaplain Richard Armitage, was attended by PC Cooper’s parents parents Andrew and Heather Cooper, his brother Ollie Cooper, grandparents Shirley and Graham Allister and friends and colleagues.

In a tribute his father said: ‘We miss Dan terribly, his smile, his sense of humour, his very presence. He shared his big kind heart and his love with us for 22 years.

“Dan’s death has left a massive void in our lives and some days it is hard to find strength but somehow we do.

“We are proud of all Dan’s achievements and especially privileged to have shared his life. He was a dedicated, loyal police “officer who gained the respect of all those he came into contact with.

“This has been a very tough 12 months for our family. We have been overwhelmed by the support and kindness that people have shown. However, without family and friends, both old and new, life would have been even more difficult and so for that we would like to thank all those that have been there when we have needed them the most.’ The service which started at 2pm saw his colleagues and friends gather around his memorial plaque at Trowbridge Police Station and listen to the service in which Mr Armitage read a prayer followed by friend Amy Leddington reading a poem called Loving Memories.

His mum then did a reading in his memory before laying flowers at his memorial. Friends and family were given a minute’s silence to remember PC Cooper before his dad spoke about him.

He read out some of Dan’s life notes including ‘Think about your family, contact a friend, be postive’ and he then said: “Dan was proud to be a police officer and wore his uniform with pride. All we ask you here is help us to keep his memory alive.”

Mr Armitage closed the service with a prayer.

Inspector Dave Cullop said: ‘It has been a challenging year for all who knew Dan.

“He would have expected his colleagues to rally round, look after each other and to keep on serving the community in the best traditions of Wiltshire Police. I am proud that my staff have achieved this.

“It is a fitting tribute to be able to join them and pay our respects to his memory.”