John Richard Speed

Died:
31 October 1984
Age:
39
Rank:
Sergeant
Force:
West Yorkshire Police
Cause:
Homicide - Shot
Duty Status:
On Duty
Plaque Location:
Unveiled 1986 at Kirkgate, Leeds
Gallantry award:
John Richard Speed received State recognition by way of a Gallantry Award in relation to the incident where he lost his life.

Roll of Honour Citation

Shot and killed when he went to assist a colleague who had just been shot and wounded. Posthumously awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.

Police Memorial Tribute

As he went to assist a colleague who had just been shot and wounded while investigating two men acting suspiciously outside Leeds Minster in Kirkgate, Sergeant Speed confronted one of the men and was shot through the neck and killed.

John was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.

Sergeant Speed’s funeral took place at Leeds Parish Church, only yards from where he was killed.

He was survived by his wife and their ten-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son.