Peter Edwards was so very proud of all his associations with Staffordshire Police and UNISON.

From a background in sales, he joined Staffordshire Police as a traffic warden in Tamworth but had an early desire to progress and became a Summons and Warrants officer, also at Tamworth. Peter always had a strong desire to help others which was manifested by executing warrants and delivering summonses – as it was in those days. However, Peter always saw the wider perspective that meant, firstly, that there were victims and secondly, that these were people who also needed help. Peter always brought a practical dimension to his work, which meant that if people could arrange to come and see him in order to pay their dues a few days later that would often be acceptable.

But it was his work in UNISON and in setting up the Staffordshire Branch, splitting off from the County Council, which was so important to Peter and with the help of Staffordshire Police who were able to fund premises, equipment and staff.

Everyone who knew Peter and worked with him would say what a great honour it has been for us to have had Peter as our UNISON representative. He has represented the Force in so many fields, both internal and external and everyone who knew him respected him, across the country.

Peter, when representing his members was forceful where necessary, pragmatic and always looked after the underdog. He was prepared when representing members to tell them where he thought they had been wrong, as well as tell the organisation where it had been wrong. That is a true mark of a great negotiator.

Even towards the end of his life, through the illness, he arranged with Staffordshire Police to arrange for a computer at his home so that he could continue, in his own words, “to pester Michael and Claire” at Hearn Court. That computer became his means of continuing his interest in his UNISON work.

Peter also used it to continue his keen interest in flying, because once he was unable to go up in the air himself the Microsoft Simulator took over. Peter had such a presence that it would have made anyone feel confident, we are sure, Peter would have loved to walk through an airport terminal in a pilot’s uniform.

As a representative of so many, he was called upon to meet with the Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Assessors for Standards, such as Investors in People. Each of those parties were well impressed at the integrity, loyalty and dedication shown by Peter.

Peter always remained positive and that is a feature of Peter’s life. As he reached his 65th birthday and then to succumb to this dreadful disease, it meant that he was robbed of the retirement he so richly deserved.

Everyone who knew Peter should be privileged to count Peter Edwards as one of their friends.

In his memory, the Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police had requested that the UNISON building at Hearn Court in Stafford, that was so important to Peter, be renamed the “Peter Edwards Building”.

Peter Edwards has left a void at the office, but he will always be fondly remembered by all who knew him.