Prince William.Photo: JONATHAN BUCKMASTER/AFP via Getty Images
Prince Williamis honoring those who’ve fallen in the line of duty.
The Duke of Cambridge, 38, visited a Metropolitan Police custody center in Croydon, South London, on Wednesday to pay his respects to Sergeant Matt Ratana, who was tragically shot while preparing to search a handcuffed suspect in September 2020.
Ratana, who served in the police for 30 years after moving to the U.K. from New Zealand in 1989, later died from a fatal wound to the chest.
An unnamed 23-year-old was arrested on suspicion of his murder on November 13.
“The awful killing of Sergeant Matt Ratana sent shockwaves through the Met and I know we continue to mourn his loss,” Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said during the visit, according to a Scotland Yard release, adding that he “left a powerful legacy across the Met.”
“I was proud to welcome His Royal Highness to Croydon Custody Centre and to meet some of Matt’s colleagues and friends,” she added.
Prince William with Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick.JONATHAN BUCKMASTER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
William spent around an hour at the custody center, meeting Ratana’s partner in private. He also spoke to the officer’s close friend and line manager Inspector Wil Ajose-Adeogun, who said the royal encounter “brought back many fond memories of Ratana, his enormous energy, his sense of duty and his overwhelming kindness.”
Sgt Matt Ratana receiving a medal from Commissioner Cressida Dick.Richard Gardner/Shutterstock
William’s visit represents the latest element of his continued efforts to support themental healthand general wellbeing offirst responders. It is a cause that is particularly close to his heart as a result of hisown servicewith the East Anglian Air Ambulance from March 2015 to July 2017.
“Having seen first-hand the incredible work of air ambulance teams both on the front line and behind the scenes, I hold a profound respect for all that you do,” the Duke of Cambridge wrote in an open letter to mark the beginning ofAir Ambulance Week 2020.
Prince William meets colleagues of Sgt Matt Ratana.PA Images
The visit also occurred during Mental Health Awareness Week and saw William meet some of the police staff and officers working to provide mental health support to their colleagues.
This included Police Dog Dexter, the Met’s first wellbeing dog who is deployed to comfort police officers and staff who’ve been exposed to trauma. Throughout the past 12 months, PD Dexter has also visited numerous hospitals in London, providing comfort to medical staff battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“Police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe every day and they can be exposed to very harrowing and traumatic experiences,” added Commissioner Dick.
“I am extremely proud of the men and women across the Met who support colleagues who have experienced trauma, breaking down the stigma of mental health and ensuring those who need help are supported,” she continued. “I am so pleased that His Royal Highness could meet those unsung heroes of the Met, looking out for the wellbeing of our officers.”
source: people.com
