Essex Police and community honour officer PC Mathew Parker
A motorbike procession and ceremonial funeral was held for the dad-of-two.
Essex Police officers, emergency services, and biker communities have come together to honour PC Mathew Parker as he was laid to rest following his tragic death responding to an emergency call.
PC Parker, affectionately known as Mat, was a valued member of the Chigwell Roads Policing Unit and a well-loved motorbike enthusiast. He died on 19th November in a collision while responding to an emergency call on the A12 near Ingatestone.
The ceremony began at Mat’s family home in Loughton, where his final journey took him past his favourite pub, The Hollybush, and the locations that had been central to his career, including Chigwell Roads Policing Unit, Loughton Fire Station, and Loughton Police Station. Across these destinations, colleagues and emergency services lined up to pay their respects, bowing in tribute to Mat’s service and sacrifice.
Mat’s procession was joined by representatives of Essex County Fire & Rescue and East of England Ambulance Service, alongside members of biker clubs Blue Knights, Iron Order, and Copperheads. The convoy then travelled to Parndon Wood Cemetery & Crematorium, where Mat was received in a ceremonial guard of honour.
Chief Constable BJ Harrington also paid tribute to the dad-of-two, saying, “It was the greatest privilege for Essex Police today to support Mat’s family in saying goodbye.
“Like every single member of Essex Police, Mat proudly served the people of Essex. Mat responded to an emergency call to help someone he never met — he is a credit to Essex Police and British policing. Mat, may you rest in peace and ride free, I will forever be grateful for your service.”
Mat joined Essex Police in 2010 and served his entire career in the West Essex area, both in the Loughton Local Policing Team and with the Chigwell Roads Policing Team. He was passionate about bikes, riding his beloved Harley Davidson, and was an active member of the Iron Order motorcycle club.
Representatives from police forces across the country, including Kent, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and the Metropolitan Police, joined the ceremony to support Mat’s family and Essex Police in saying farewell.
Mat's family are continuing to receive support from Essex Police and local communities.