The Scottish Police Federation represents all police officers in the ranks of constable, sergeant, inspector and chief inspector, police cadets and special constables; over 18,500 people, 98% of all police officers in Scotland.
Tayside officer who died on duty honoured at memorial event
Tributes have been paid to a “weel-kent” police officer who tragically died while on duty in Tayside.
Police constable Roy Buggins passed away while working in Montrose, Angus, on Tuesday September 3.
The 51-year-old, who had been a police officer for 29 years, was said to be looking forward to his retirement when he was honoured at the Scottish Police Memorial service at Tulliallan on Wednesday morning.
Paying tribute, Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “Today’s service is particularly poignant.
“Only yesterday police constable Roy Buggins sadly passed away after taking unwell while discharging his duties in the town of Montrose in Angus.
“Roy had over 28 years service and was looking forward to retirement.
“He was a very experienced officer who worked throughout the Tayside area, most latterly in community policing and was held in high regard by his colleagues and indeed the local community.
“I know at this particularly sad time you will join me in sending the condolences of all us here and indeed the entire policing community.”
His name will now be added to the wall of the police memorial based within the grounds of Tulliallan.
The well-known officer was formally identified by Police Scotland on Wednesday.
A statement described him as a “highly valued and well-respected member of the Montrose and Brechin Community Policing team”.
Constable Buggins, who is survived by his wife and two children, began his career with the then Tayside Police in 1990 and was initially posted to Forfar.
He spent the next 29 years serving the division with spells in Friockheim, Carnoustie and a ten-year stint in Arbroath.
PC Roy Buggins had been a police officer for almost three decades.
Constable Buggins then returned to Forfar for a time where he became “an integral part” of the Montrose and Brechin Community Policing team.
He was well known in and around Montrose and Brechin, where he regularly attended events, often with his colleague PC Ally Hutchison.
The popular officer would also regularly visit schools and retirement homes while also speaking with the public at police surgeries and “Coffee With A Cop” meetings.
David Hamilton, Vice Chair of the Scottish Police Federation, worked with PC Buggins in Tayside Police’s Public Order Unit.
He said, “Roy was one of those solid, dependable guys who you wanted in your team.
“He had a sensible head and was somebody who had the respect of his colleagues and supervisors.
“In many ways he epitomised local policing- well known, well liked, hard working, fair and pragmatic. “He is a big loss to his family and friends, to policing and to his community.”
