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Incident
On 28th November 1868, while on duty at Friargate, PC Parker successfully captured a rabid dog that had already bitten a young boy and four adults, but in doing so he was bitten several times on the hand, quite severely on the thumb, leading to a few days on sick leave.
He seemingly remained well for nine months but, after finishing his duty at Preston cricket ground at 5:00pm on Saturday 28th August 1869, John returned home and, at 8:00pm, sent a note to the police station saying that he was unwell and would not be able to resume his duty at 9:00pm.
The following morning he was attended by a doctor and later taken to the local infirmary where, between 5:00pm and 7:00pm, his symptoms worsened significantly as he suffered painful spasms. He died just before 9:00pm that same day.
PC Parker joined the force on 26th May 1868 having previously served eleven years with the West Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary.
He left six young children, aged from three to thirteen years. His wife had died five months earlier, in March 1869, with her death being attributed to her anxiety over her husband’s wellbeing.
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Tributes
157 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Police Constable Parker served with the Preston Borough Police.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Illness
Preston Borough Police has lost 5 officers; 2 of them lost to illness.
John is one of 704 officers lost to illness in ENG, 25.3% of the 2,786 remembered there.
John is one of 884 officers lost to illness in United Kingdom, 23.3% of the 3,791 remembered there.
John is one of 2,979 officers lost to illness worldwide, 8.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1869, 7 officers in ENG were lost to illness, the 17th heaviest of 181 years on record. The heaviest was 1915, with 16.
In 1869, 8 officers in United Kingdom were lost to illness, the 25th heaviest of 185 years on record. The heaviest was 1915, with 18.
In 1869, 8 officers worldwide were lost to illness, the 60th heaviest of 197 years on record. The heaviest was 2021, with 566.
Who
John was 36. Of the 687 lost to illness in ENG whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 49; the middle age was 43.
John was 36. Of the 858 lost to illness in United Kingdom whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 50; the middle age was 43.
John was 36. Of the 2,916 lost to illness worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 56; the middle age was 49.
When
August holds 8% of these deaths in ENG; January holds the most, 10.5%. Sundays: 11.2%.
August holds 7.9% of these deaths in United Kingdom; January holds the most, 10.3%. Sundays: 11.1%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths worldwide; October holds the most, 12.6%. Sundays: 13.2%.
How
Illness deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Preston Borough Police, the most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 25.3% of all 2,786 deaths in ENG, the 2nd most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 23.3% of all 3,791 deaths in United Kingdom, the 3rd most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 8.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 3rd most common cause.
His people
Preston Borough Police has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Preston Borough Police are honored on badge.nw.
