Yesterday (January 7^th 2020) we had the privilege of conducting the funeral of Ron Hogg CBE, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington.

Ron passed away in St. Teresa’s Hospice following his battle with Motor Neurone Disease in December, aged 68.

His family were joined by hundreds of colleagues, friends and well-wishers as they said farewell to the father-of-two at a poignant service of thanksgiving at Durham Cathedral.

Ron made his final journey from his home in Newton Aycliffe to Palace Green, in Durham, with a motorcycle escort before being led to the cathedral by four Northumbria Police horses.

The sound of his beloved bagpipes rang out around Palace Green as he was brought into the cathedral on the shoulders of his police officer colleagues.

        

An address was made by Canon Adrian Gatrill, the senior force chaplain, and there were readings by Chief Constable Jo Farrell and Sweety Sahani, Ron’s principal private secretary.

Ron’s son, Alexander Hogg, also paid an emotional tribute to his father, as did former chief constable Mike Barton who honoured his “far-reaching and illustrious” career in policing, as well as his sense of humour, engagement with the local community and ability to challenge the status quo.

With his voice breaking, he said: “We are the poorer for losing you Ron, but the richer for having been one of your friends.

"The world will miss your compassion, vision and passion. But we will not miss your inspiration, because it will live on.”

The service was followed by a private service at Durham Crematorium for family and close friends.