Retired Fife police officer who passed away hailed as 'hero' for saving young girl's life

A retired Fife police officer has been hailed as a "hero" following his death.

Constable Alexander (Sandy) Marr passed away earlier this month after serving in Fife Constabulary for more than 20 years.

He joined the force in 1963 and was a well-known community officer in the Templehall area of Kirkcaldy.

On 25 October 1975, he saved the young girl's life while he was carrying out house to house inquiries for a murder investigation in Leslie and was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his brave actions.

The details of this incident were later recorded as an entry in the Roll of Heroes of Carnegie Hero Trust Fund, Dunfermline.

It read: "About 2.30pm, Constable Marr was making house-to-house enquiries on Cabbagehall Road when he met two girls aged 11 years and 8 years who were leading a pony. 

"While one led the pony off the road into a gateway the other girl stayed chatting to Constable Marr on the footpath at the side of the road. 

"While doing so a car came around the corner at excessive speed. 

"It swerved across the road towards Constable Marr and the young girl. 

"In the split second before it collided with them Constable Marr pushed the girl aside to safety. 

"The girl was uninjured apart from shock. 

"However, Constable Marr was so seriously injured that a leg was severed on the spot. 

"His other leg was later amputated and he also suffered many other major injuries. 

"Constable Marr was off work for nine months before his great courage and fortitude allowed him to resume duty. 

"In the split second of time afforded to him, Constable Marr could almost certainly have escaped himself from the path of the car. 

"Instead he chose to save the child at enormous risk to himself. 

"His name will be inscribed on the Roll of Honour of the Carnegie Hero Trust Fund."

Sandy returned to duty after nine months and took up the role of Collator at Kirkcaldy. 

He was in this position until his retired in 1984. 

After his retirement Sandy started went into business with his brother, but also maintained his involvement with the police.

When the Fife Branch of the Retired Police Officers Association Scotland (RPOAS) was formed in 1985, Sandy was one of 40 officers who attended the inaugural meeting.

Sandy was awarded Honorary Membership of the RPOAS in 2015 due to his service to the Fife Branch. 

He also became a life member of the RPOAS in his 80th year, in 2018.   

Sandy is survived by his wife Ena, daughters Karen and Sandra, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Chief Superintendent Derek McEwan, Divisional Commander for Fife Division at Police Scotland, said: "Police Constable Marr was a hero within Fife Constabulary and his actions and awards are still recognised within Police HQ, Glenrothes.

"My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time."