Throughout this enquiry NARPO both nationally and locally in South Yorkshire have encouraged our members to assist in the process and we are extremely grateful to those members that volunteered to participate in this long process, some of them despite their age and failing health.
Without the participation of those retired officers these proceedings would not have been possible. Their participation in this process was totally voluntary and there were many examples of outstanding actions and selflessness by police officers on that tragic day as they did their best to deal with the tragic disaster unfolding before them.
We have always had enormous sympathy for the grief of the families and friends of the 96 who tragically lost their lives at Hillsborough on that day. Our thoughts are with them and we truly hope that they have gained some comfort following the Inquests and its verdicts.
Undoubtedly this has been an extremely stressful, difficult and sensitive period for the families of the 96 but also for those retired officers who volunteered to participate, and NARPO would like to pay particular tribute to the South Yorkshire NARPO Welfare Group, who have given up their own time to tirelessly support those members involved and ensure that the welfare needs of our retired colleagues has been given paramount importance.
Whilst there are still ongoing investigations it would in our view be inappropriate to make any further comment, but we will with the help of the South Yorkshire NARPO Welfare Group, continue to support our members throughout the ongoing enquiries and we sincerely hope that a timely and satisfactory conclusion can be reached.