Durham Constabulary has shared a special tribute to honour Detective Constable Jim Porter in Durham, County Durham, who was killed in the line of duty 44 years ago. The local police force released the memorial on 4 March 2026 to remember the officer’s bravery during an armed robbery in 1982.
DC Porter was 31 years old when he was fatally shot while chasing two armed men near Bishop Auckland. The pursuit began after a robbery at the Chamberlain Phipps Wallpaper Factory payroll office in Woodhouses on 4 March 1982.
During the chase, the officer was shot at point-blank range by a man named Eddie Horner. A memorial plaque now marks the site of the tragedy in Tindale Crescent to ensure his sacrifice is not forgotten by the local community.
According to Durham Constabulary, the tribute serves as a reminder of the significant risks officers face while protecting the community. Records from The Police Memorial Trust show that DC Porter was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct and, in 2024, the Elizabeth Emblem for his sacrifice.
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