Tributes paid to traffic officer killed in the line of duty on anniversary
Tributes have been paid by police to a traffic officer who was killed in the line of duty 20 years ago in the West Midlands.
Malcolm "Mac" Walker died after he was deliberately rammed off his bike in Birmingham by a man driving a stolen car.
The 46-year-old was catapulted off his bike into a bollard and later died from his injuries after the incident in October 2001.
A memorial service was held on Saturday at Sutton Coldfield Police Station, where the officer was based, as well as a service.
The West Midlands Police Honour Guard were also present to mark the occasion and the family of the officer were presented with a flag, which had previously been flown at Sutton Coldfield station in honour of him.
Sergeant Chris Thomas, from the force traffic unit, said: "Twenty years ago we lost a true hero. I worked with Mac and was the second car at the scene the day he died.
"This was the most harrowing day of my 25-year career and a day that will be with me forever. My thoughts have always remained with Mac’s family and the legacy he leaves behind.
"To be able to honour him [on Saturday], is something so special. I know he will be looking down on us all."
Mac’s wife Helen added: “Twenty years have just flown by. He is in my thoughts daily and will be in my heart forever."
Earlier this year his family paid tribute to him as the National Police Memorial was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.
The service on the day included his grandsons 10-year-old Harvey, seven-year-old Reggie and five-year-old Riley, from Walsall, who the traffic officer never got to meet.
