John Richard Speed
- Died:
- 31 October 1984
- Age:
- 39
- Rank:
- Sergeant
- Force:
- West Yorkshire Police
- Cause:
- Homicide - Shot
- Duty Status:
- On Duty
- Plaque Location:
- Unveiled 1986 at Kirkgate, Leeds
- Gallantry award:
- John Richard Speed received State recognition by way of a Gallantry Award in relation to the incident where he lost his life.
Roll of Honour Citation
Shot and killed when he went to assist a colleague who had just been shot and wounded. Posthumously awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Police Memorial Tribute
As he went to assist a colleague who had just been shot and wounded while investigating two men acting suspiciously outside Leeds Minster in Kirkgate, Sergeant Speed confronted one of the men and was shot through the neck and killed.
John was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Sergeant Speed’s funeral took place at Leeds Parish Church, only yards from where he was killed.
He was survived by his wife and their ten-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son.