SIMON COLE QPM

Yesterday Wednesday 30 March we, like so many, were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of former Chief Constable and our Chair of Cricket Simon Cole, who had very recently retired from Leicestershire Police.

Simon was not only a hugely respected leader, he was a kind, warm and engaging officer who was proud of being part of British Policing, a huge advocate and active supporter of Police sport.

Simon loved all sport, particularly cycling, rugby, tennis and of course cricket.

He was invited to join the Cricket section as a vice Chair in December 2014 and was elected to the position of Chair in 2017, a role in which he remained until his recent retirement.

He backed this passion up with unwavering leadership, time and an absolute commitment to support the growth of police sport for all officers and staff.

He saw the creation of a new BPCC Womens section attending one of the nets weekends at ECB Centre in Loughborough, introducing himself and chatting to the group before turning his arm over with some very suspicious looking leg spin.

We will miss him enormously this season along with the leadership, support, humour and kindness that he provided over many years to players, officials and colleagues.

On behalf of British Police Cricket, we want to express our deepest condolences to Simon's family and all his colleagues in Leicestershire Police.

Thoughts are with the family and friends of Simon

Rest easy Sir

Lee Freeman

Chief Constable Humberside Police & PSUK Cricket Chair

DFD

Sec PSUK / BPCC

Please find below a personal message from Matt Jukes, Chair of PSUK, relating to the sad death of Simon Cole - “At the end of the week, a time to reflect. I hope colleagues have seen my social media messages concerning the passing of Simon Cole QPM but I’m conscious not everyone will have. The whole policing family and I know all of us at Police Sports UK, were rocked by the news that the recently retired Chief Constable, and good friend to so many, Simon Cole QPM, had died. There will be so many of us who are affected by this loss. My thoughts went immediately to Simon’s family, and I know you will all join me in sending our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to them at this difficult time. First and foremost, Simon was a dedicated frontline police officer. He was one of the very best of us; passionate and immensely proud. He rose incredibly quickly to the rank of Chief Constable, but remained absolutely rooted to the work of his rank and file, walking the beats of Leicestershire and staying fully in touch with his community right up until the final days and weeks of his service. There were never any airs or graces about Simon, and the opinion of every officer and staff member was treated as equally as those of his colleagues at Chiefs’ Council. That was never more true than in his life of sport where he valued every player and volunteer, creating so many opportunities for others. He was a tireless advocate for Police Sport UK. He was a keen tennis player and chaired PSUK Tennis for 12 years. He then became Chair of British Police Cricket in 2017, and the same year became Chair of the British Police Men's Rugby Section. Seeing matches return after Covid brought him great joy and we were looking forward to cheering on teams together during his upcoming retirement. Many of you will have lots of memories on the touchline or in the bar, and I can smile, tinged with sadness, looking back on time together at Stourbridge and East London rugby clubs, at the PSUK Tennis champs in Cardiff, at last year’s fantastic cricket final and so many more. Throughout his policing and sporting activities he was a tireless advocate for support for promoting health in every sense. Our motto is ‘wellbeing through sport’ and he valued the comradery and teamwork sport brings, as well as the physical benefits and challenge. Most of all though, he was just a wonderful person: warm, funny, charismatic and approaching everything he did with a boundless enthusiasm and a spring in his step. He could strike up a conversation with anyone about almost anything, but especially if was about our shared love of sport. I count myself lucky enough to have considered Simon a good friend, but I know I am far from alone in that, as he offered the hand of friendship to so many. And I know I am far from alone in mourning him this week and in the months ahead. To all those who are grieving for him in Leicestershire, in Police Sport UK, and elsewhere, please know that you are not alone and that there is support available. And to his closest friends, family and former colleagues, please know that the whole of policing stands with you, and that Simon’s passion, professionalism and personality will always be appreciated and never be forgotten.” Matt