Nephew inspired by pioneering police officer

Chris Ramadhar said he had never regretted following in his uncle's footsteps

The nephew of Birmingham's first black police officer has said he takes "great pride" that he followed his uncle joining the force.

Ralph Ramadhar became a police constable in 1966 and achieved almost 30 commendations for outstanding work.

Chris Ramadhar, 58, who has served in the West Midlands and Warwickshire forces, said other relatives had also worked in policing and it was in his family's blood.

“I remember as a child saying I want to be like Uncle Ralph," he said.

Ralph Ramadhar, a father-of-two, lived in Leamington Spa with wife Nell on the couple's arrival from Trinidad in the early 1960s.

It was Nell who spotted an advert for police constables and encouraged her husband to join.

Ralph Ramadhar was Birmingham's first black police officer

On one occasion, according to West Midlands Police Museum archives, racist graffiti was left by a National Front member on the family's home.

“When he joined he would have stuck out as different and faced challenges," his nephew said.

"But from all I've heard he overcame any situation and concentrated on making a difference to the community he loved."

Ralph was promoted in 1973, becoming the first black sergeant in the West Midlands.

He continued working for the force until 1977, when he left to return to his native Trinidad.

The officer, who identified as black-Indian, died suddenly while out on a run a decade later, aged 49.

Ralph Ramadhar died after returning to Trinidad

Chris said he had "never regretted" following in his uncle's footsteps.

He joined West Midlands Police in 1993 and served as a PC in Walsall, then spent time as a detective sergeant at Warwickshire Police, before retiring and returning as an analyst.

He explained his sister, brother-in-law and son-in-law were also police officers in other forces.

"I remember as a child saying I want to be like Uncle Ralph and I take great pride in following in his footsteps," he said.

"Clearly our family has policing in its blood and it all started with Uncle Ralph who led the way for us and many others."

West Midlands Police is highlighting its heritage to mark its 50th anniversary, with events and activities across the region, including at West Midlands Police Museum.