Former chair of Scottish Police Authority dies in road crash
Police Scotland’s chief constable has paid tribute to Vic Emery OBE, the former Scottish Police Authority (SPA) chair, who died following a road crash in Dumfries and Galloway at the weekend.
Iain Livingstone said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Vic Emery. My thoughts and those of everyone at Police Scotland are with his family and friends at this tragic time.
“He was highly respected for his public service where he played a significant role in shaping policing in Scotland as we know it today, both as chair of the Scottish Police Services Authority and as first chair of the SPA.”
Mr Emery, 77, from Newcastle Upon Tyne, died following a road crash on the A74 (M) southbound near Ecclefechan on Saturday, (December 18).
Police Scotland said officers are appealing for witnesses to the crash, which happened at around 2.20pm.
Inspector Andrew Thomson, of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Division, said: “We are still carrying out inquiries with regard to the cause of the crash and again would appeal to anyone who driving on this stretch of road and who witnessed the collision to contact us.
“I would be keen to hear from drivers who have dashcam footage but I am particularly keen to speak with the driver of a white Luton style box van which was seen in the area at the time.”
The SPA said it was “deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Vic Emery”.
In a statement it added: “Vic was the first chair of the SPA and he made a significant and lasting contribution in the early years of police reform.
“Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this time.”
A statement issued on behalf of Mr Emery’s family said: “It is with great sadness that the family announce that Vic Emery, a cherished husband, devoted father and grandfather and respected businessman passed away Saturday, December 18, 2021.
“His wife, Dianne, and daughters, Lucy, Juliet and Victoria and three beloved grandchildren are utterly devastated, their hearts shattered, and request privacy at this time.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also paid tribute to Mr Emery. She said on Twitter that she was “shocked and very sad” at his death.
Mr Emery was also chair of the Civil Nuclear Police Authority (CNPA), joining the board in September 2016.
Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden and unexpected death of Vic on Saturday. Vic was passionate about the CNC and our officers and staff; he has been an extremely supportive and knowledgeable chairman who has made a real difference to the CNC and the authority. He bought a wealth of experience and energy to the role and will be much missed not just by the CNC and CNPA but by me personally.
“I will be speaking to Vic’s family and will pass on my condolences on behalf of the constabulary and will stay in close contact with them during this extremely difficult time.”
In the private sector, Mr Emery was group managing director of BAE Systems warship building and sustainment business for more than ten years, across five operational facilities in the UK with a turnover of £800 million and a workforce of 7,500. He sat on the Operational Board of BAE Systems Plc from 2003 until 2008 and was appointed OBE in May 2008 for services to warship building.
Police Scotland said a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.