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Goodnight PC Rathband, Sleep Well Brother
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I announce the passing of TeapotOne's patron, PC David Rathband. David was found by officers from Nothumbria police at his home in Blyth yesterday 29th February 2012 at approx 7pm and pronounced deceased at the scene.
After being shot in the face by Raoul Moat in July 2010, David had been left completely blind. He founded the charity, 'The Blue Lamp Foundation' to help emergency service workers who found themselves injured through criminal acts, such as he was. He fundraised tirelessly bringing it's work into the public eye and was a symbol of the courage and professionalism our police family should all strive to befit.
This is the very reason I asked David to be the TeapotOne patron and I was incredibly honoured when he said yes. Although I never got to meet him face to face, we spoke via phone, emails and texts and he seemed every bit the man I took him to be.
My heart goes out to Kath, Ash & Mia, his brother Darren, his family and colleagues.
The Final Inspection
The policeman stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining. Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step foreword now, policeman. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent, Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep. Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, Thought at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, but if you don't…I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly, For the judgment of his God.
"Step foreword now, policeman, You've borne your burdens well
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell."
PC David Rathband 1968-2012, Sleep Well Brother.
About Author
TeapotOne
Bruce Smart is the man behind TeapotOne. A self-confessed 'biker-holic', he made a promise to his mum before she died, that he would live out his dream and ride his motorbike around the world. 74,000 miles, 54 countries and 442 days later, he returned home having kept that promise, and now commands Legions of followers across his social media platforms. Bruce now produces weekly vids on his youtube channel - TeapotOneVids, normally something to do with motorcycles, but always reinforcing his mantra of 'LIVE YOUR LIFE'.
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