Tributes paid to tragic Netherton police officer

PC Wiggins (55) was attending an emergency call out in Newhouse last Monday (April 2) when he collapsed.

He was rushed to Wishaw General, but sadly passed away.

An overwhelming response to news of his death from Times & Speakers readers served to highlight that Dougie was not only a respected colleague of many within Police Scotland, but a very popular member of the local community.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their daughter, Laura (24).

Douige joined the force in July 2010, and spent most of his service working at Community Policing in Bellshill, except for a six-month secondment to Divisional Road Policing which he thoroughly enjoyed.

It was his ambition to return to Road Policing on a full-time basis and had only recently applied for a vacancy.

Prior to joining the police full-time, Dougie was a Special Constable from September 2008 until June 2010, and spent this time working with colleagues at Bellshill Community Policing Team.

He was a joiner to trade and his skills were put to good use by many of his colleagues over the years.

He enjoyed telling stories of his experiences on various building sites and jobs and really couldn’t believe how lucky he was to be part of the police service.

Dougie thought it was amazing that he was getting paid to cycle about on his bike, keeping fit and helping people.

In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his wife and doted on his daughter.

He was a keep fit fanatic and was often seen in the gym at Motherwell on his day off.

He was also a founding member of Lanarkshire Division SPRA Angling Section and he looked forward to the days of fishing with his friends and the healthy competition of landing the biggest fish, which he did last year.

Inspector William Jeffrey, Bellshill Community Policing Team, ‘Q’ Division, paid tribute to his popular colleague.

He said: “Dougie loved his job and his enthusiasm was infectious. He was a well-liked and respected officer who would genuinely go out of his way to help the public or any of his colleagues.

“He was an example to everyone he worked with and his sudden passing has deeply saddened many within the Division.

“He will be long remembered with affection and respect.”

Dougie’s funeral will be held at St Margaret’s Church in Muirhouse on Thursday.