The former Eicestershire police chief was found dead at his home almost two weeks after he left the body. Simon Cole, 55, who has served in the police force for more than 30 years, was found at his home in Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, on Wednesday. His death was referred to a medical examiner, Leicestershire police said. No further details have been released. Interim Chief Rob Nixon said: “It is difficult to describe in words how destructive this news is for all the power that loved and respected Simon. Our hearts are with his family at this difficult time and we will support them as much as we can. Simon Cole served in the police for more than 30 years (Jacob King / PA) / PA Archive
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“We want to respect their privacy and the medical examiner’s procedure and we will ask the public and the media to do the same. “We offer support to our staff and those who worked closely with Simon. “I know Simon has had a huge impact on many of the communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and his death will be a great loss to many of the people he worked with. “All we can do is unite and mourn the loss of a very respectable person.” A public book of condolences will be posted on the force’s website in the coming days. Mr. Cole grew up in Leicestershire and trained at Market Bosworth, Northampton, Oadby and Colchester before joining the West Midlands Police Department with a graduate program in 1988. He joined the Hampshire Police in 2003 as Assistant Chief of Police, where he led the neighborhood policing. He then became Deputy Chief of Staff in 2008 before returning to Leicestershire as Chief of Staff in June 2010. In 2014 he was awarded the Queen’s New Year’s Police Medal and became an honorary doctor of arts from De Montfort University. Mr Cole stepped down earlier this month, with his last day in office on March 18. Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was “desperately saddened” when she heard the news. She wrote on Twitter: “He was passionate about the tradition of the people of Leicestershire, where he grew up, and dedicated his life to policing. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to police officers like Simon and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.” Rupert Matthews, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear this tragic news. Simon Cole was the epitome of a great public servant whose commitment to public service was unwavering. We live in a safer place thanks to his leadership. “I know that the officers and staff of Leicestershire police, past and present, will be deeply saddened by his death. “It was always clear to me that he had high esteem and genuine affection at all levels and I ask people to remember this in the coming days. They will mourn. “My thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues. I sincerely hope that they will be given the time and space to mourn in peace. “ Adam Commons, president of the Leicestershire Police Association, described Mr Cole as a “talented, approachable and inspiring police chief”. “He was also a friend of many of us, who cared deeply for his police officers,” he added. Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Council of Police Chiefs, said: “Simon was an officer with great respect and esteem. He was a longtime and prominent member of the chief constable’s council. In fact, as I described him in his last meeting, “the father of the house”. “For many decades, his leadership and impact have been felt by the people of Leicestershire and by everyone in policing. “We will miss him”.
