Distinguished former Essex Chief Constable Sir John Nightingale, who was known for modernising the police force, died on October 1, aged 89.
Sir John joined the police force in 1935 serving with the Metropolitan Police and moved to Essex as Assistant Chief Constable in 1958. He also served with the National Police College and as Commandant of Eynsham Hall Police Training Centre in Oxfordshire.
He received the British Empire Medal for saving a man from a burning building during the Second World War and also served with the Royal Navy as an anti-submarine officer.
In Essex he was appointed to Chief Constable in 1962, after serving as Deputy Chief Constable, and held this position until his retirement in 1978.
As leader of the police force in Essex Sir John was responsible for the amalgamation of Essex and Southend Borough Police Forces. He also introduced university degrees for promising officers.
In 1965 he was awarded the Queen's Police Medal, he was made a CBE in 1970 and was knighted in 1975.
After retiring he served as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, chairman of the Police Council and a member of the Parole Board.
Sir John was an approachable Chief Constable and made time for his officers.
He was well respected, with a down to earth manner and took a keen interest in what happened in his force.
Sir John made his home in Little Baddow and died in a nursing home at Witham. Lady Nightingale, whom he married in 1947, survives him, as does a stepson and two stepgrandchildren.
Essex Chief Constable David Stevens said: "Sir John will be remembered with admiration and fondness. He made an immense contribution to the police service and in many other areas.
"He was a forerunner of the modern Chief Constable and set a fine example for others to follow."
Retired Chief Constable Geoffrey Markham described him as a true leader and commander.
He said: "He had a great impact on the modernisation of Essex Police and its approach to policing."
Mr Markham will deliver the eulogy at Sir John's funeral, which will take place at 10.15am on Monday, October 14, at Chelmsford Crematorium. Police officers are welcome to attend. Sir John's family have requested that donations be made to the Essex Police Benevolent Fund instead of flowers.
Published Thursday October 10, 2002
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