Hundreds turn out for 'one of a kind' police sergeant's funeral who died in the line of duty

Hundreds of people turned out in their droves to pay their respects to a Nottinghamshire police officer, who died in the line of duty.

The funeral service for Sergeant Graham Saville was held yesterday afternoon (Monday 23 October). Friends and colleagues joined Graham’s family to remember the fallen officer, who died on 29 August 2023.

The service, which took place at Southwell Minster, was led by Major Pamela Ralph-Barratt of the Salvation Army, assisted by the Revd Paul Rattigan.

Graham died after being hit by a train as he tried to help a distressed man in Balderton, near Newark, on 24 August. The 46-year-old father-of-two died five days later in hospital.

Yesterday’s funeral service included a procession from The Burgage to the Minster, where a Guard of Honour comprising more than 50 of Graham’s policing colleagues formed as the hearse arrived at the cathedral church.

Opening the service, Major Pamela Ralph-Barratt described Graham as “one of a kind” who was "thoughtful and caring".

She added: "He was a team player and an amazing role model. He was respected and always gave people credit when credit was due.”

Moving tributes were also given during the service by members of Graham’s family, as well as PC Matthew Pugsley, who worked alongside Graham at Radford Road Police Station.

Ahead of today’s funeral, Graham’s family said they’d been deeply touched by the messages of support they’ve received since his passing.

"An excellent police officer"

They said: “At this tragic time, it’s very difficult to find the right words to express the sadness and loss that we feel as a family.

“Graham had a gentle character and genuinely cared. He was dependable, respected, compassionate, and supportive, with a quirky sense of humour. These qualities made him an excellent police officer, but also a great person to have in your life in whatever form that took.

“He would never have thought of himself as being brave or a hero, he was a policeman who just got on with what needed to be done and very much loved his job and the challenges he faced every day. He never questioned becoming a police officer and having the opportunity to make a real difference.

“We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of messages of respect and support for Graham and humbled by the generosity of the general public.

“We would like to express our thanks to all of the critical care team at the Queen’s Medical Centre, his colleagues, the ambulance crew that attended and the policing family for their kind support and all they have done for Graham.

“Graham leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but we are immensely proud of everything he has done both personally and professionally. He’ll be in all of our hearts forever and never forgotten.”