Simon Cole

L. eicestershire Police's former chief constable has been found dead in his home nearly two weeks after retiring from the force. Simon Cole, 55, who served in ...

I sincerely hope that they are given the time and space to grieve in peace.” Simon Cole was the epitome of a great chief constable whose commitment to public service has been unswerving. We live in a safer place thanks to his leadership. He joined Hampshire Police in 2003 as assistant chief constable where he led on delivering neighbourhood policing. “Over many decades, his leadership and impact have been felt by the people of Leicestershire and by all in policing. “I know Simon had a great impact on many of the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and his death will be a great loss to many of the people he worked with.

Simon Cole, the former Chief Constable of Leicestershire, has died today (Wednesday), just 12 days after he retired from the force. Mr Cole, who was 55, ...

We have lost an outstanding public servant whose mission in life was dedicated to making our communities stronger and safer. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his police colleagues and with his family at this sad time,” said Cllr Rushton.“I have ordered the County flag to be flown at half-mast as a tribute to the life of Simon Cole QPM.” Mr Cole grew up in Leicestershire and took up his position as Chief Constable of the force in June 2010. “It was always clear to me that he was held in high regard and with genuine affection at all levels and I ask that people remember that in the coming days. “Simon had an excellent career in the police and was an outstanding public servant to the people of Harborough, Leicestershire and Rutland.” “I know Simon had a great impact on many of the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and his death will be a great loss to many of the people he worked with.

'It is hard to put into words how devastating this news is for the entire force who loved and respected Simon'

It was always clear to me that he was held in high regard and with genuine affection at all levels and I ask that people remember that in the coming days. I sincerely hope that they are given the time and space to grieve in peace." I joined because I wanted to help people and I wanted a job that was different and would not, at least in the early days, involve being in an office all day. The force confirmed his death in a statement this evening: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Simon’s family and friends at this difficult time. It was a remarkable experience in terms of our role in society as well as the impact on the organisation," he said. Mr Cole's death was confirmed by Leicestershire Police in a statement this evening - provoking a wave of tributes from friends and former colleagues.

The recently retired chief constable of Leicestershire Police has died, the force has said. Simon Cole, who held the position for 12 years, was found dead ...

"Simon Cole was the epitome of a great Chief Constable whose commitment to public service has been unswerving. "He was passionate about delivering for the people of Leicestershire, the area where he grew up, and dedicated his life to policing." The recently retired chief constable of Leicestershire Police has died, the force has said.

Mr Cole, who had served in policing for over 30 years, was found dead in Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, this morning. Officers say the matter has been ...

It was always clear to me that he was held in high regard and with genuine affection at all levels and I ask that people remember that in the coming days. I sincerely hope that they are given the time and space to grieve in peace." Simon Cole was the epitome of a great Chief Constable whose commitment to public service has been unswerving.

Former Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole has been found dead just days after retiring. (Image: PA). Guarantee you'll never miss another big ...

It was always clear to me that he was held in high regard and with genuine affection at all levels and I ask that people remember that in the coming days. I sincerely hope that they are given the time and space to grieve in peace." I joined because I wanted to help people and I wanted a job that was different and would not, at least in the early days, involve being in an office all day. It was a remarkable experience in terms of our role in society as well as the impact on the organisation," he said. The discovery and subsequent reburial of King Richard III was a particular highlight for his career, with the city the focus of intense national and international attention while it handled an unprecedented moment in history. The force said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Simon’s family and friends at this difficult time."

Mr Cole, who has served in policing for more than 30 years, had recently retired from Leicestershire Police. Rob Nixon, temporary Chief Constable of ...

She said on Twitter: “Simon was commander in Dudley (J2 OCU) when I was a member of the Police Authority. He was progressive and thoughtful and a breath of fresh air. His devotion to policing and his family were clear to all. Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Dave Thompson, paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “I liked him a lot.

Mr Cole, who retired from the role less than two weeks ago aged 55, was found dead in his his home in Kibworth Harcourt, near Market Harborough, this morning, ...

My thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.” "Deeply saddened to learn of this news! In my view, the Boss served his county and country with great distinction. "He was the most approachable chief constable I have served under. I can scarcely imagine how much he will be missed. "This summed up his leadership quality. "Simon – you will be sorely missed. He didn’t waiver, he was dedicated." Festus Akinbusoye, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire tweeted: "This is truly shocking and saddening. I am so sorry about the loss of such a highly respected figure in British policing. Community engagement, diversity, police cuts & austerity are some of the many challenges he faced. I hope he’ll be remembered for all the positive things he achieved.

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He was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in the 2014 New Year's Honours List. He retired on March 18 after 30 years in policing and was the UK’s longest serving Chief Constable after taking charge in Leicestershire in 2010. Leicestershire Police confirmed that Mr Cole, who was educated in Northampton, was found dead at his home in Kibworth Harcourt. The matter has been referred to the Coroner.

Mr Cole, who has served in policing for more than 30 years, had recently retired from Leicestershire Police. Rob Nixon, temporary Chief Constable of ...

She said on Twitter: “Simon was commander in Dudley (J2 OCU) when I was a member of the Police Authority. He was progressive and thoughtful and a breath of fresh air. His devotion to policing and his family were clear to all. Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, Dave Thompson, paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “I liked him a lot.

Former Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole retired last week after 12 years in the job.

I wanted a job that was out and about and real, and 24/7. "He was looking forward to coming to our event with his wife. and I believe he has left behind a great, great legacy." "He just loved interacting with people. He was so full of love and fun. "A few weeks back we were just having a dinner together, celebrating his retirement.

The news of the death of Simon Cole, former Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, has left many of us here at De Montfort University in shock and ...

The loss to the city, the county and all of those who knew Simon is profound indeed.” It was the first such programme to allow apprentices to learn and work in the communities where they would serve as PCs. But besides this, Simon was always keen to meet students and support projects in the community.

Joanne Cole, the wife of retired Leicestershire chief constable Simon Cole who was found dead at home yesterday, has told friends she has been left ...

Reverend Ludger Fremer of St Wilfrid's Church in the village, which Simon attended with his family told MailOnline: 'They had a strong, happy family unit. He always attended local events and was always there with his wife when she was taking part in concerts to show his support. She is just devastated and feels as if she's lost her best friend and soul mate' They were a great couple. They were a wonderful, loving couple looking forward to a new life together and now she feels as if she's lost her best pal.' She is just devastated and feels as if she's lost her best friend and soul mate.

DMU pays tribute to Simon Cole, former Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police.

The loss to the city, the county and all of those who knew Simon is profound indeed.” It was the first such programme to allow apprentices to learn and work in the communities where they would serve as PCs. But besides this, Simon was always keen to meet students and support projects in the community.

Leicestershire communities are in mourning today over the sudden death of Simon Cole, the recently-retired Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police - just ...

It was not long ago that I attended his retirement gathering and I am sure that all those that knew Simon like I did will pain and loss of his passing. It was only a few weeks ago that he met with faith leaders to be recognised for his contributions to policing and communities at large. We encourage everyone to remember and pray for Simon and his family in whatever way they know. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues." Nick Rushton, leader of Leicestershire County Council, has ordered the County flag to be flown at half-mast as a tribute to Simon Cole. He said: “I’m terribly shocked and saddened to learn of this awful news. Their statement reads: "As Faith leaders and representatives from across Leicestershire communities we are shocked and saddened by the news that Simon Cole has passed away today. "Simon was an immensely dedicated public servant whose kindness and good nature was matched only by his determination to protect and serve the communities under his care. It was always clear to me that he was held in high regard and with genuine affection at all levels and I ask that people remember that in the coming days. I sincerely hope that they are given the time and space to grieve in peace.” Leicestershire Police were the first to express their condolences, describing him as a "loved and greatly respected" man. Simon Cole was the epitome of a great Chief Constable whose commitment to public service has been unswerving. Leicestershire communities are in mourning today over the sudden death of Simon Cole, the recently-retired Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police - just days after his retirement.

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I sincerely hope that they are given the time and space to grieve in peace.” Simon Cole was the epitome of a great chief constable whose commitment to public service has been unswerving. We live in a safer place thanks to his leadership. “I know Simon had a great impact on many of the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and his death will be a great loss to many of the people he worked with. Cole had announced his retirement from the police force in January of this year, in which he said: “It has been a great honour to lead Leicestershire Police since 2010 and serve the communities in which I grew up.” The university said that the honour recognised the contribution of Leicestershire Police, under the leadership of Chief Constable Cole, to research which “helped to advance knowledge of how police can prevent harm” and helped to “make the UK the world’s leading nation for applying research evidence to policing”.

CITY Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has paid tribute to Simon Cole QPM, the former Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police whose death was announced yesterday (30 ...

He set high standards and lived by them, creating a police force he was rightly proud of. But he wasn’t just a nice guy, he was also a tough cop – and that’s an astonishing combination of characteristics. “As a local lad, he knew Leicester and Leicestershire well and recognised the strength of Leicester’s diversity.