Police name fitness suite after PC killed while on duty in Berkshire
PC Andrew Harper's widow Lissie opened the suite at Abingdon Police station
Lissie Harper - the widow of PC Andrew Harper - has opened a fitness suite at Abingdon Police station named after him.
Lissie – whose husband PC Andrew Harper was killed on duty in 2019 – was joined by Thames Valley Police Chief Constable John Campbell for the opening.
The new fitness facilities available to officers include a running machine, weights and an exercise bike.
Lissie said: “Andrew was such a proud police officer and to have colleagues remember him in this way is really special. Andrew would have loved it.
“These new facilities are fantastic - I even tried them out myself! I hope many officers get the chance to take some time away from the stresses of the job and enjoy what this new fitness suite has to offer.
“Thanks to Andrew’s colleague and friend Mark Allmond and all those who have worked to get this facility up and running.”
Harper's Law
Lissie continues to campaign for Harper’s Law in memory of her husband Andrew.
Harper’s Law would see anyone guilty of killing an emergency services worker due to a criminal act be jailed for life, with a mandatory minimum term.
Government civil servants from the Ministry of Justice are now working with the Harper’s Law team on trying to achieve this goal.
Lissie added: “The support I have had from the public and the Police Family continues to be overwhelming and I can’t thank them enough for their backing.”
The Harper’s Law online petition has already attracted over 750,000 signatures.
Lissie added: “I know that if he could, Andrew would join them in being right by my side fighting for Harper’s Law… he would want me to get this law passed for all who deserve it.
“We know this won’t happen overnight, but make no mistake, I will not allow this to be kicked into the long grass.
“There will be no reprieve until Harper’s Law is written in the history books.”