HUNDREDS of South Yorkshire Police officers were able to pay their respects to fallen colleague Matt Lannie, who was killed as he responded to an emergency call in April.<\/p>\n
South Yorkshire Police Federation said the funeral cortege passed through a hangar on its way to the crematorium allowing the officers to mourn their friend and workmate whilst maintaining social distancing regulations.<\/p>\n
Motorcycle outriders and mounted police joined PC Lannie on his final journey.<\/p>\n
\u201cSadly still under COVID regulations it wasn\u2019t quite what I think anybody would have wanted in terms of the actual ceremony, but I have to say, from being there myself, the efforts that the officers and staff of South Yorkshire Police and his military veteran colleagues put on was absolutely first class,\u201d South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was a correctly socially distanced ceremony at the Ops complex in Sheffield where Matt was brought through with the cortege and officers got a chance to pay their respects, and it was really humbling and well done.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a tough situation, but a fitting tribute to him. He got a good send off from his colleagues, and that was nice to be able to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
PC Lannie joined South Yorkshire Police in 2012, working in Sheffield. In 2017, he transferred to the force\u2019s Operational Support Unit and remained part of the OSU until his tragic death. His South Yorkshire Police unit, roads policing team four, said; you\u2019ll always be known for your larger than life character, your infectious smile and your passion for your job\u2019.<\/p>\n