Sergeant Paul Cording BEM has hung up his badge after a stellar 23 years with North Yorkshire Police. Known for his fierce dedication to road safety, Paul has faced countless challenges and raised thousands for charity throughout his career.
A Farewell Like No Other
In his final week on the job, Paul took on one last epic challenge. Over 24 hours, he covered a punishing 126.8KM on foot—running and walking—mirroring his NYP collar number 1268.
This heroic effort smashed his £6,000 fundraising target for the Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate, supporting injured officers’ health and wellbeing.
Champion of Road Safety
Paul joined roads policing in 2010 and has witnessed the heartbreaking toll of serious, often fatal, collisions. Attending over 100 such crashes, he became a relentless advocate for safer streets.
In 2019, he teamed up with Road Safety Talks charity and Lauren Doherty BEM, a paralysed collision survivor. Together, they’ve delivered powerful safety messages county-wide—often on Paul’s own time.
From RAF to Road Policing
Paul began his journey after nearly a decade in the RAF, joining North Yorkshire Police in 2001. Starting in Harrogate, he worked response and neighbourhood policing before rising to Sergeant in 2005. By 2010, he’d moved full-time to roads policing.
He became a local fixture, educating schoolkids, engaging on social media, and featuring on Channel 5’s ‘Traffic Cops.’
His tireless service earned him the British Empire Medal in 2023’s King’s Birthday Honours for policing and charity work.
Farewell Tributes
“Today Paul goes Status 11 (off duty) for the last time. It’ll be an emotional moment for all,” said Specialist Operations Chief Inspector Alex Butterfield.
“His efforts raising money and awareness through extreme challenges have been truly inspirational. Paul can walk away knowing he’s made a real difference to North Yorkshire’s communities and colleagues. We’ll miss you, Cords. Thank you for everything, and all the best for the future.”
Paul Cording leaves behind a legacy of courage, charity, and a safer road network. His impact on North Yorkshire will be remembered for years to come.
