The Armchair Detective 💺🇮🇱

On the night of 4 July 2010, Police Constable David Rathband was sitting alone in his marked patrol car when a gunman approached and opened fire. Within seconds, his life would change forever. Born on 20 January 1968 in Stafford, David initially trained as a plumber before pursuing his ambition of becoming a police officer. After serving as a Special Constable, he joined Northumbria Police in 2000. In 2006, he moved into traffic policing, a role he thoroughly enjoyed. He also trained as a Family Liaison Officer, supporting families who had lost loved ones in road traffic collisions. Shortly before 12.45am on 4 July 2010, David was carrying out routine traffic duties at Denton Burn, Newcastle, when fugitive gunman Raoul Moat approached his patrol car. Moat fired twice at close range, striking David in the head, face and shoulder. Despite his devastating injuries, David managed to radio for help. He survived the attack but permanently lost his sight in both eyes. Determined to help others, David established the Blue Lamp Foundation to support emergency service personnel injured in the line of duty. In April 2011, despite his blindness, he completed the London Marathon to raise funds. However, behind his public determination, David continued to struggle with the physical and psychological consequences of his injuries. Tragically, on 29 February 2012, David died by suicide at his home in Blyth, Northumberland. He was just 44 years old. Following his funeral in Stafford on 17 March, he was laid to rest in a private family burial. In June 2012, his 13-year-old daughter Mia carried the Olympic torch blindfolded in tribute to her father, who had originally been selected as a torchbearer. Today, his legacy continues through the Blue Lamp Foundation, helping emergency service workers and their families. Remembering: Police Constable David John Rathband Northumbria Police — Motor Patrols Call Sign: Tango 190 Born 20 January 1968 Died 29 February 2012, aged 44 Lest We Forget. #DavidRathband #NorthumbriaPolice #PoliceMemorial #EmergencyServices #LestWeForget