Tributes have been paid to “highly respected” Fife police officer Kevin Walker, who has died suddenly aged 60.
Mr Walker, who lived in Dunfermline, joined Fife Constabulary in 1975 serving in all three territorial divisions as a constable and detective constable prior to his promotion to sergeant in 2001.
A period of three years in Cowdenbeath was followed by transfer into the role of training sergeant, where he also held the post of temporary inspector in charge of force training and development.
Mr Walker’s final posting as a serving officer involved him taking responsibility for the special constabulary where he remained until his retirement in January 2007.
His retirement was shortlived, however, as he soon returned to the force to take on the role of police recruitment officer, a job that his colleagues say suited his “outgoing and colourful personality”.
His meticulous planning skills and uncanny ability to recognise suitable candidates for the police also made him a hugely valuable asset to the organisation.
A keen sportsman, Mr Walker was also heavily involved with Police Sport UK and fulfilled a number of roles over 22 years which he mostly carried out in his spare time.
He also enjoyed playing cricket for a number of local teams (Dunfermline, Dunfermline Carnegie and Dunfermline Wanderers) as well as hockey in the winter months for Dunfermline Carnegie until injuries forced him to take a back seat, after which gardening became his new love.
Outside of work, Mr Walker was a devoted family man who always took great pleasure in organising family holidays, dinners and quality time with his loved ones.
Mr Walker leaves behind his wife Linda, children Brent and Michelle, and two grandchildren.
Colleague and friend Inspector Stewart McMillan said: “Kevin will be sorely missed by all the family especially his grandchildren who will never forget their devoted Pop Pops.”
Mr Walker’s funeral will be held at Dunfermline Crematorium at 2pm on Thursday where donations will be taken for the British Heart Foundation.