\u2018I HAVE been wearing a uniform for 35 years \u2013 to serve the Queen and country during such an extraordinary event that will be a huge event in history was indescribable.\u2019<\/p>\n
Operational Skills Trainer, PC Paul Gray was selected by Chief Constable Lauren Poultney to represent South Yorkshire Police as one of the officers from across the country who lined the route of the funeral cortege as HM Queen Elizabeth II made her final journey through central London.<\/p>\n
PC Paul Gray joined the British Army in 1988 as a 17-year-old, and after a few years\u2019 of service, left and joined South Yorkshire Police, where he has continued to serve his community since the 1990s.<\/p>\n
PC Gray said: \u201cI was asked by our Chief Constable to represent South Yorkshire Police at the Queen\u2019s funeral while I was at work by video call.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving been in uniform for 35 years and having the Queen as my Colonel-in-chief in the army, it didn\u2019t need any thinking about. It was an honour and privilege to be asked and it is was a definite yes!<\/p>\n
\u201cThose of us who have been in service for a long time have been really emotional about the Queen\u2019s passing. Although it was expected due to her age, she has always been our constant, she has led our country all my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
PC Gray explained how the highlight of his day, alongside the atmosphere of such a prestigious event was seeing how the public reacted to the police.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cOur ultimate destination of the day was at the bottom of The Mall, so alongside 60 other officers from across the country and overseas territories we marched along The Mall and into position.<\/p>\n
\u201cLater on in the day we did the opposite, we walked back down The Mall and past the houses of parliament.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we did, in both directions the crowds of people were cheering; people were shouting thank you, and throughout the day people were coming to us, saying thank you and appreciating our efforts, not just for that day but in general.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was an amazing, overwhelming experience that I will never forget and for me cemented the fact that the majority of the British public love to see a British bobby and are thankful for our work and efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officers from across South Yorkshire supported the Metropolitan Police on mutual aid, during one of the largest police operations the country has seen.<\/p>\n
PC Gray added: \u201cI am really proud to have played a small part in the event and honoured to have represented SYP.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am planning on retiring next year, and to serve at such a prestigious event, and in such an iconic place was a moment I will never forget.\u201d<\/p>\n