Colleagues and friends stood in silence on Thursday afternoon as they paid tribute to fallen officer Sergeant Graham Saville, who died on Tuesday saving the life of a distressed man on the tracks.

Sergeant Saville, who was fatally injured on duty a week ago, was remembered with a minute’s silence at police stations across the county.

At Nottinghamshire Police and Fire HQ at Sherwood Lodge, hundreds of police officers and police staff remembered a man described by his family as “wonderful.”

After a moment of silence and reflection led by Chief Constable Kate Meynell, a prayer was read by Force Chaplain Reverend Jo Tatum and flowers were laid in the force’s memorial garden.

The service was replicated at Newark, Radford Road and Mansfield police stations, with senior officers in attendance at each location.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “The last few days have been extremely difficult for everyone in the police family – especially those who ​knew and worked alongside Graham.

“His untimely death in the line of duty has affected so many people inside and outside our organisation, and today was an opportunity for us all to reflect on his life, his service and his sacrifice.

“His death in the line of duty has been a reminder not only of the dangers faced by police officers, but also of the high level of care and compassion that exists among the general public.

“My colleagues and I have really been moved by the number of people who have reached out to pay their respects to Graham with extremely generous comments online and other gestures such as the laying of flowers.

“On behalf of everyone at Nottinghamshire Police I would like to express my gratitude to them all.”

Former colleagues of Sergeant Saville, who served with him at Radford Road Police Station, have also shared their memories of him, describing him as a “wonderful person, an amazing police officer, and family man.”

Flags at all Nottinghamshire Police buildings remain at half-mast following Sergeant Saville’s death.

Wife of sergeant: “We are so lucky to have loved him”

The wife of Sergeant Graham Saville has also paid tribute to a “wonderful” man who had a “desire to help others”.

She said her husband’s death had devastated her family but they had taken great comfort from the outpouring of love and admiration for him.

The 46-year-old died on Tuesday (29 August) from injuries sustained when he was hit by a train as he attempted to save a distressed man in Balderton.

Paying tribute to her husband, she said: “Graham was a wonderful man. He was laid back, funny, silly and adventurous – he lived life to the full. He loved his job and joined the police to do something worthwhile and to make a difference.

“Ultimately his desire to help others has led to him making the ultimate sacrifice. We are devastated. The outpouring of love from all those who knew him is testament to the amazing person he was.

“We are so lucky to have loved him.”

(Source: Nottinghamshire Police)