Remembering police officer Gina Rutherford who was killed on duty when car crashed into River Dearne
South Yorkshire Police is today honouring the service of officer Gina Rutherford, who “tragically lost her life while in the line of duty.”
Police Constable Rutherford was just 25-years-old when the car she was on patrol in skidded on ice and crashed into the River Dearne on February 7, 1994.
PC Rutherford, who was based at Goldthorpe police station in Barnsley, could not be saved and tragically died.
Commemorating the 32nd anniversary of PC Rutherford’s death, a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Today, we are honouring the memory and service of PC Gina Rutherford who tragically lost her life while in the line of duty.”
“The thoughts of everyone at South Yorkshire Police are with her family, friends and past colleagues as we remember the ultimate sacrifice she paid for serving her communities.”
In a social media post, a spokesperson for the South Yorkshire Police Federation added: “Remembering PC Gina Rutherford, of South Yorkshire Police, who died on duty on this day in 1994.
“She drowned when her patrol car skidded on ice and crashed into a river. #LestWeForget”
A memorial bench, marking PC Rutherford’s sacrifice, was donated to Wombwell police station, the same location where a memorial stone is also kept, in December 2024.
Speaking at the time, Barnsley District Commander, Chief Superintendent Simon Wanless, said: "The memorial bench forPC Gina Rutherford is a wonderful addition to Wombwell police station following the recent refurbishment.
"Many of our staff here at Barnsley remember PC Rutherford fondly, and I am thrilled that the bench has now found a new home where the memorial stone for her is also kept, so her memory will live on."