Tribute to tragic PC after 80 years

Dec 20 2006 By Mark Cowan,. Birmingham Mail

A SPECIAL constable killed more than 80 years ago is to be honoured by the police after officers managed to track down his daughter.

Special Constable E35 J Sly - Christian name unknown - served with the Birmingham Police and died in 1924 when a quarry wall fell on him while he was off-duty.

He left behind a three-week-old daughter, Betty.

David Cross, the curator of the West Midlands Police Museum tracked down Betty, now 80, as he investigated constable Sly's career.

Now she will be guest of honour at a special ceremony today to honour her father's contribution to policing.

Betty, who will be with her daughter Julie Henderson, will be presented with a specially engraved police whistle by Force Commandant Gary Croshaw to commemorate the service her father gave to the Special Constabulary.

His service to the police came to light when Julie Henderson wrote to PC Phil Tootill on the Force Specials Development Team to ask for information about her grandfather's time with the police.

At the time Mr Cross was already carrying out research into SC Sly after being contacted by former dog handler PC Colin Sly, another relative of SC Sly.

Force Commandant Gary Croshaw said: "I am delighted that police colleagues have been able to assist the family in tracing the service details for SC Sly from so many years ago.

"I am equally pleased to be able to make the presentation today, in recognition of his Special Constabulary service."