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Police have named the officer killed at Croydon Police Station as Matiu Ratana.
The 54-year-old officer, known as Matt, had served in the Metropolitan Police for nearly 30 years. Ratana, originally from Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand, came to London in 1989, two years before joining the force.
Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said he was a “much loved” officer.
She said he was known as a “big guy” with a “big heart”. “A charming man, respected by her colleagues, officers, staff and of course by members of the public, including, may I say, suspects arrested or treated in custody,” she said, adding that she leaves behind a couple and an adult. child of a previous relationship.
“He had a fantastic career, he gave 29 years of his life to the London public; now she has tragically died while on duty. His service will never be forgotten and we are deeply grateful for that and it is truly distinguished service from a charming, charming and highly respected police officer, ”he said.
Ratana studied urban planning at Massey University in the city of Palmerston North on New Zealand’s North Island and attended high school in the same city.
In addition to serving as a police officer, Ratana was the head coach of East Grinstead Rugby FC. In a promotional video on the club’s website, Ratana explains that “having previously competed at the national level, one of our goals is to return to the London Leagues.”
Ratana was described as “an inspiration” by a friend who knew him playing rugby together.
The 27-year-old, who would only call himself Paul, said: “We all watched him: on the field or off the rugby field, he always found a way to cheer us on. Losing that is great.
“The man was a machine. He went from training with us last night to coming to shift work here in Croydon. I would do it week after week. He bought all the family atmosphere that we had in the club.
“Some of my teammates (upon learning of his death) are just not sure how to take it.”
The friend, who said the officer was eager to retire, added: “I think he earned his stripes, if you ask me.”
Dick said he joined the force in 1991, starting out as the captain of his recruits training class. “He was posted to Charing Cross, he worked as a bailiff on the streets of the West End and in Westminster in a variety of roles. Later, he served in our territorial support group throughout London, often dealing with the most violent and dangerous criminals, ”he said.
He worked as a police officer in Hillingdon and was promoted to sergeant in 2010, where he worked in Hackney, first on a response team, then on a neighborhood team before moving to Croydon in 2015.
Community Police Officer Jacqueline Kufuor told the Palestinian Authority news agency that “Sergeant Ratana was a lovely guy” and “the nicest man I have ever met.”
“He was a very charming man. He was a good man. When he sees you, he just stands up and talks to you. He would ask you about your job and how you are coping and how you are doing out there. So when he ever had problems, he just talked to him, ”she said.
