Roderick 'Rod' Norton Daniels

Served with Essex Police from June 4, 1970 and died on February 8, 2001.

On 8th February 2001 Police Constable Rod Daniels was on duty in an unmarked car, returning down the A12 from court at Harwich when he stopped at the scene of a minor road accident close to a bend in the road at Kelvedon.

The accident happened shortly before 12.30pm. The inside lane was blocked and Rod Daniels realised the danger to other motorists. He called for assistance, and colleagues in a marked police car arrived and began to clear the accident.

Wearing a fluorescent jacket, Rod Daniels began walking down the verge to warn other drivers when he was struck by a maroon Ford Sierra and killed.

Rod Daniels had served with Essex Police for 30 years, most of his career had been served on Traffic. His colleagues have described him as an officer who would never pass by a difficult situation and would always try to help. He put the safety of other road users as his first priority.

He had received four Chief Constable's commendations, one for calmness when confronted by a man with a loaded shotgun. He also received a Court Commendation and a Letter of Congratulations. He was 53 years old and left a widow and two sons.