Heart-warming service to remember former Special Inspector after cancer battle

Family, friends and colleagues at Lincolnshire Police gathered at Lincoln Crematorium to remember the life of a former Special Inspector who lost his long fight with cancer.

Former Special Inspector Rob McKay, who joined Lincolnshire Police Special Constabulary in 1988, passed away on New Year’s Eve.

His funeral took place at Lincoln Crematorium on Thursday, January 30 and was very well attended by family, friends and colleagues. There was also a full Police Guard of Honour and Pall Bearer Party at the request of the family. ACC Kerrin Wilson and Deputy PCC Stuart Tweedale were also in attendance.

Rob was described as a “humorous, committed, knowledgeable, kind, gentle and caring man, who exemplified the best traditions of voluntary public service”. The force added that he displayed a real commitment, ability and enthusiasm for the role.

ACC Kerrin Wilson said: “It was so heart-warming to see so many colleagues from all across the force attending his funereal and the celebration of his life.”

Inspector Jon Mellor added: “We were able to remember our colleague and friend and to support Rob’s wife Sam, and their son Cameron.”

Rob mentored, coached and developed many specials and was integral in embedding specials within neighbourhood policing teams.

In 2016, Rob was awarded the accolade of Special Constabulary officer of the year in recognition of his hard work. He often said he wished he joined the regulars, but put family first and focused on being a father.

Rob left the special constabulary as he began the long fight against cancer in 2017. Between treatments he volunteered with the Lincoln Centre and Carlholme NPT.