FORMER chief superintendent and divisional commander of Dorset Police, Bernard Palmer, has died at the age of 86.

Bernard joined the county's police force, formerly known as Dorset Constabulary, in January 1956 and cover the Bournemouth area in May 1959.

He was promoted to sergeant in November 1964, before working as the assistant to the Bournemouth police training officer and then was promoted to inspector in March 1967.

In January 1969, he took over as the inspector in charge of Wimborne Police Station in Poole Road to replace Inspector John Humphreys, who moved to be in charge of Wareham and Swanage police. Two months later, he was moved to be stationed in Poole.

Bernard then served as the superintendent responsible for operations in the Eastern division of Dorset Police from December 1978.

He appeared in Daily Echo in February 1981 on the announcement of his promotion to chief superintendent and became the western divisional commander at Dorchester.

In February 1983, chief superintendent Bernard Palmer spoke at a meeting of St Leonards and St Ives parish council in a drive to improve communications between the police and the public. He also explained to parish councillors during the meeting that Ferndown police station was open for just a couple of hours every morning and evening to reduce long periods of 'slack time' in some police stations. Residents were encouraged to phone in their enquiries to ensure that an immediate service would be available in the event of an emergency.

Bernard retired in February 1986 at the age of 55, having received six commendations for good work during his career.

The Daily Echo recorded that the last was received in 1984 when Bernard commanded a situation resulting in the arrest of 'two violent men armed with shotguns.'

In his private life, Bernard and his wife, Gwen, welcomed a son, David, and have gone on to cherish their role as grandparents.

Bernard died on Wednesday, October 12 and a service of thanksgiving will be held at The Church of the Holy Epiphany on Castle Lane West on Thursday, November 3 at 11am, which is expected to be attended by some of his former colleagues.

Donations will go to Moordown Palliative Care Team and Marie Curie Cancer Care.