Johnny Elford (6 Sep 1956 - 10 Jan 2025)

The 5th March 2025 has been a very, very sad day. A copy of the latest LPP was delivered to me, and to my immense sadness I read that Johnny had passed. If I had only known earlier I would absolutely have attended the celebration of his life to pay my respects.
I first met Johnny on a legendary murder investigation in the mid 90's. I'd been moved onto the squad under, quite wrongly, a bit of a cloud having been, to use the vernacular of the day, 'fitted-up' by a bent colleague. The 'job' was VERY different back then and Cops in my situation were pretty much always 'sent to Coventry'- forever. It is a mark of the kindness and compassion of this wonderful man that he listened not to the malevolent corrupt, but took what he saw in front of him at face value and extended the hand of friendship. That friendship grew and we formed a cycling group within the squad. Once a month, Johnny would arrange a 40-60 mile circular cycle ride somewhere in the home counties and he, myself, Gerry Panter and Gary Young would get together for a great cycle ride followed by a wonderful Sunday lunch. With Johnny, it always felt like we were in the company of someone special, and such a priveledge to have his friendship.
Those days I've briefly described, were the happiest of my working career and that is solely down to the warm and unconditional welcome that Johnny extended to me. I will forever be in his debt for the kindness he showed me and I will forever cherish his memory and the friendship we shared for an all too brief period of time.
Johnny had presence. He was consummately elegant in his dress sense and deeply professional. He was the one person you could turn to for advice and be sure of getting the best possible help. He was absolutely dedicated to his work back then, so it comes as no surprise to learn today that he was awarded an MBE for his incredible dedication. A richly deserved award for an exceptional man.
My sincere condolonces to Johnny's family at the loss of this wonderful human being.

JJ - as I still call him, as serious as his job was, my best memories are the laughs we had! JJ would always say "not too shabby" when asked how he was! The irony is, he always dressed so smart! He'd always be in the office stupid early, as he loved his job so much. We'd natter whist munching a Chrunchie on a Friday, he'd have his own supply of fancy sugar cubes, a not so secret stash of choc fingers and other goodies. He had his Arsenal supporters bits on and around his desk... there was no mistaking which was his seat!

JJ was such a lovable character.. he introduced a group of us to Oslo Court, where we'd go in July and he never failed to take pride in telling us, about the dates he and Jill-Louise spent there, (in the little arch window seat... ❤️)

I recall at many social functions, we'd go to the Varsity rugby games, JJ would always have a glass of red in hand (and a few lined up) and later quietly vanish off home without a word...

Sadly, JJ, has done his vanishing trick once again, but he most certainly has left some great memories. I am so proud to have had to honour to work with such an amazing man! Thank you and RIEP JJ - you have certainly left your mark.. 🥀 xx

I first met Johnny in 1990, working together at Twickenham Police Station. We soon discovered our shared love of The Arsenal and Le Piat d'Or which evolved into many happy years of memories following the Arsenal together through the 90’s as season ticket holders both at home and abroad. A true gentleman, great company, generous nature and sorely missed.

Johnny was a good friend and colleague from 1979 when I joined 'B relief' at Kensington. Always willing to help and guide he was the epitome of a 'good cop' who always had time to help others. Despite his own struggles with health he always seemed cheerful and wanting to make the most of his lot.
I looked forward to our more recent regular lunch meetings with Chris Crowley to mull over the good old days and hope he did too. Farewell my old friend, I'm sure you'll be sorely missed by many as you will by me. RIP

I first met Johnny in 1980 when we served together at Kensington. I have known and kept in touch with him ever since, although since I have lived in Scotland for the past 20 odd years we didn't get to meet much. He was always an absolute gentleman and an inspiration to his colleagues.Although he endured many years of health issues, he was uncomplaining and kept his privations mainly to himself. My sincere condolences to Jill and the rest of his family. RIP