DURHAM'S Chief Constable paid tribute to a popular former senior officer who died this week, little more than two years after his retirement.
John Guest, from Chester-le-Street, who gave almost 40-years' service to Durham Police, died on Monday after a short illness.
He served throughout the north and east of the force area, working his way up to the rank of chief superintendent in charge of the operations division, a post he held for five years.
He first went on the beat in Seaham, in 1966, and served in Houghton-le-Spring, prior to re-organisation in 1974, and subsequently in Chester-le-Street, Durham, Stanley and Peterlee.
Chief constable Paul Garvin said Mr Guest was widely respected and news of his 'untimely death' has been felt across the whole of the force.
"He was affable, approachable and his wise counsel was greatly valued by all those who knew him," said Mr Garvin.
Mr Guest leaves a wife, Linda. His son, Andrew, and daughter, Louise, both followed in their father's footsteps and are now serving officers in Durham Police.
A funeral service was being held at St Cuthbert's RC Church in Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street, this Thursday, followed by a brief service at Durham Crematorium.
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