TRIBUTES have been paid to a “radical thinker” and lifelong public servant following his death, months after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Ron Hogg, police and crime commissioner (PCC) for County Durham and Darlington, died yesterday, aged 68.

Mr Hogg, who had been a vocal advocate for the right to die, as well as for radical drugs reform, stepped down from his role earlier this year after being diagnosed with the disease. 

Durham Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “Durham Constabulary and the people of County Durham and Darlington have lost a great colleague and friend.

“Ron was a radical thinker, an inspiring leader and a lifelong public servant who wasn’t afraid to tackle head-on some of the most difficult issues facing society.

Mr Hogg, who had previously worked for Cleveland Police, was first elected as Police and Crime Commissioner in 2012, when the role was created.

During his time in office he was a voice for reform, particularly on the UK’s drug policy, working closely with former Durham chief constable Mike Barton on the issue.

The Northern Echo:

Ron Hogg, pictured with Mike Barton

 

He stepped down from the role in September after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease and used his final months to continue to campaign for the decriminalisation of drug addicts and for a change in the law on assisted dying.

In October he was joined by 17 other PCCs in urging the Justice Secretary to look at concerns regarding the current law on assisted dying. 

He was also involved in initiatives included the launch of the first regional strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, alongside Cleveland PCC Barry Coppinger and Vera Baird, who held the role in Northumbria. 

His chief executive Steve White, who was appointed into the acting Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner role in September, said: “In my 30 years of policing, I have never known of someone so universally liked and respected as Ron was by officers, staff, politicians and officials. He will be greatly missed and leaves a lasting legacy.”

Those who worked with Mr Hogg have been paying tribute to him.

Mr Coppinger said: “I’m devastated to hear of the passing of my good friend and colleague Ron Hogg.

“Ron has been a professional and political colleague for many years and made an enormous contribution to policing and community safety both locally and nationally.

“He stayed resolute to the end, using his influence to call for changes to the law around assisted dying and raising awareness of motor neurone disease."

Vera Baird, now the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales added: “We were colleagues and mates. Ron had a great line in teasing and an irony that frequently made me hoot with laughter but we had serious discussions about rehabilitation of offenders and how to support victims and sparked off each other.

“He was an excellent police officer in Cleveland where I first knew him when I was MP for Redcar. 

“As PCCs we met at least once every three months and when I left the PCC role at the end of June I knew that I would miss him. 

“The news of his diagnosis was shocking but the speed with which this terrible illness has taken him away has absolutely rocked me. 

"The loss of such a fine man, with his endless commitment to public service and his great leadership skills is hard to bear. My thoughts are with his family.”

North Durham MP Kevan Jones also paid tribute to the courageous and stoical way in which he faced his illness.

Describing him as a close friend and a great public servant, he added: “His family can be rightly proud of his achievements.”

Cllr Lucy Hovvels, chair of County Durham and Darlington’s Police and Crime Panel, described Ron as a passionate public servant who cared deeply about the communities he served.

“He was a very honest and open man who was not afraid to speak out about what he believed in but was always keen to listen and take on board other people’s ideas,” she said.

The Northern Echo:

Ron Hogg, pictured as an officer for Cleveland Police 

 

“Ron was a strong voice for victims and believed passionately in supporting young people and families. He also believed people deserved a second chance and his determination, empathy and willingness to work with others made a great difference to many lives.”

Cllr Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, added his condolences. He said: “I’ve always had the greatest respect and admiration for Ron. He approached the role of Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner with determination and compassion, and touched the lives of so many people. 

"His work was sadly cut short by ill health, but Ron continued to campaign about the issues he believed in, while raising awareness of motor neurone disease."

And Councillor Heather Scott, leader of Darlington Borough Council, paid tribute to the work he did in the town around restorative justice, drugs policy, hate crime and rural crime.

She said: “His open, positive and hardworking approach as PCVC meant he achieved so much during his time in post.  His innovation, ability to get things done and passion for keeping the communities of Darlington and County Durham safe will be sorely missed.”

A spokesperson added that Mr Hogg’s family was grateful for the messages received over the past few months, and have asked that no cards or flowers be sent.

Details of his funeral will be announced in due course.

Campaign group Dignity in Dying Sarah Wootton called on the Justice Secretary to honour a promise made to discuss the issue of assisted dying.

Chief executive Sarah Wootton said: "We hope the Justice Secretary will honour this commitment and will agree to meet with Ron’s friend and colleague, Martyn Underhill, Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset.

“Ron’s sincere request to MPs was that they listen to the voices of dying people, of police officers, and of bereaved family members who have been caught up in our cruel, outdated laws on assisted dying. 

"Sadly Ron was not able to live to see the change he campaigned so passionately for. A better, kinder and safer law is long overdue. Other countries – the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – have shown it is not just possible, but the right and necessary thing to do.”