A police officer who died in the line of duty was honored as hundreds gathered for the unveiling of his memorial plaque on Thursday.
PC Andrew Harper, who hailed from Wallingford, was 28 years old when he lost his life. He became entangled in a tow rope attached to a getaway vehicle and was dragged for a mile after confronting thieves who had stolen a quad bike. The incident occurred on a rural road near Sulhamstead in Berkshire in 2019.
Three young people received prison terms ranging from 13 to 16 years after being convicted of manslaughter.
Members of national police associations, dressed in ceremonial uniforms, attended alongside PC Harper’s companions, local council members, and his wife Lissie at a private gathering at Reading Town Hall prior to the plaque ceremony at Forbury Gardens.
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg and Geraldine Winner, whose late husband established the Police Memorial Trust, were also present.
Mrs Harper, who had been married for only 28 days prior to his passing, delivered remarks stating her husband took pride in his role as an officer, but emphasized he meant more to her as her partner, strength, and first love. She described him as possessing a kind heart, steady presence, and quiet courage that defined his daily life. She noted that 2019 permanently altered their lives, with the world losing a hero while she lost her future companion.
Following the ceremony, Lissie Harper placed a tribute at a memorial stone in Reading honoring Police Constable Andrew Harper of Thames Valley Police, who was just 28 when killed in 2019 while responding to an incident.
She expressed hope that passersby would pause to honor his contribution to making the world safer.
The stone, representing the trust’s 61st memorial, stands approximately four feet tall opposite Reading Crown Court, crafted primarily from Portland Stone with gold lettering.
His family’s persistent efforts following his death resulted in ‘Harper’s Law,’ which mandates life imprisonment for those who kill emergency personnel while they perform their duties.
At noon on April 23, police officers, advocacy group members, and individuals connected to PC Harper gathered in formation at Forbury Gardens before placing floral tributes and observing a moment of reflection near the plaque, which was unveiled by Lissie Harper and Mrs Michael Winner.
Chief Constable Jason Hogg described PC Harper as an inspiration, noting he had recently married and had his future ahead of him. He characterized the officer as enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate about his career. The chief constable stated his legacy would inspire new officers with his courage and public service commitment while serving as a reminder of the risks faced by police. He emphasized the day was about celebrating PC Harper’s life and service while acknowledging the difficult and sometimes dangerous nature of police work.
Mrs Michael Winner, who chairs the Police Memorial Trust, stated Reading should remember what PC Harper did for the community. She expressed hope his presence would be felt and noted the tragedy of his death, explaining she had continued the trust her husband began after his passing. She described forming a special group to handle arrangements and obtain necessary permissions. Upon meeting Mrs Harper, she was moved to tears by the tragedy and the bravery shown in successfully passing the law. She highlighted the terrifying reality that the teenagers drove for miles with the officer being dragged behind, emphasizing the need for the memorial so people would never forget PC Harper’s courage and sacrifice.
PC Harper was responding to reports of a break-in and quad bike theft on August 15, 2019. As he attempted to halt the group, he became trapped in a tow rope and was pulled along a country road for a mile before being declared dead at the location.
Henry Long, 19, was operating the vehicle with passengers Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both 17.