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Memorial run marks thirtieth anniversary of officer death
10 May 2012
COVENTRY police officers and staff are taking part in an annual run next week to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the death of their colleague, PC Joe O'Brien.
PC O'Brien died on 14 November 1982 when he was struck by a car while directing traffic during a school fun run.
Since his death colleagues and friends across the city have joined for an annual run held in Memorial Park to celebrate his life. This year's run will be held next Tuesday (15 May).
Joe worked as an officer in Coventry for twenty years, with much of his career spent patrolling the beat in the Ernsford Grange and Binley areas.
Known to friends as 'Joe the Marathon' owing to his love for cross country running and marathon walks, Joe was also a member of the Coventry Godiva Harriers for twenty years.
Chief Inspector Kerry Blakeman who helped organise this year's run, said: "The popularity and respect for Joe as both an officer and friend is epitomised by the fact that officers and staff still join to remember him thirty years after his tragic death.
"Events like this also provide an opportunity to remember the great work carried out across the city by colleagues who are sadly no longer with us.
"As well as our annual run there is a constant reminder of Joe's life after a road close to Chace Avenue police station was named after him in dedication to his memory."
PC O'Brien will further be remembered as part of a junior cross country run on Saturday 19 May.
Sponsored by Coventry based D&J Henry Ltd the event will see local children from across Joe's beat of Willenhall, Binley and Ernesford Grange and due to its popularity, was extended to schools outside of the local area, to compete in the PC Joe O'Brien Memorial Run.
Dave Henry said: "We knew Joe as he patrolled around our neighbourhood as an officer. His colleague PC Dave Watson setup the event in Joe's memory and we have been proud to sponsor the event every year since."
To find out more about policing in Coventry log onto www.facebook.com/coventrypolice
