The force federation chair said Cleveland officers stood side-by-side in uniform at the funeral “filled with pride and dignity”.
“I’ve spoken to Matthew’s family and he was described as a best friend, a husband, a father, a brother and a son,” Somerville said.
“He was funny and his laughter and silly jokes made them smile even when they least expected it, he brought light and laughter into every room he came into.
“And life feels unbearably quiet without him now.”
PC Blades taught English at Carmel College in Darlington before joining the police force.
The school remembered him as an “intelligent, kind and approachable teacher” who “gave generously of himself to the young people in his care”.
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