Greer delighted at honour for association

Greer, from Markethill, has been a long standing member of the RUC George Cross Parents’ Association, which provides support for the parents and families of RUC officers killed in the line of duty. He was named in the birthday honours for his tireless work with the association.

Greer, aged 81 - or as he described himself ‘a 38-model’ - has been chairman of the association for the past six years with his wife Pearl serving as treasurer.

Commenting on his award Greer said “I’m delighted as through this honour the parents’ association has been recognised.”

It was formed in 2003 by former Chief Constable Ronnie Flanagan and is funded by the Northern Ireland Police Fund.

Greer has held office in the association for what he described as a ’good number of years’ and he has worked tirelessly to honour and represent the association.

He is also a member County Armagh George Cross Association and takes great pride in marching on Remembrance Sunday to the Cenotaph in London to remember members and colleagues murdered by terrorists.

Of the work of the parents’ association he said, in happier times, they held regular meetings and get togethers supporting parents and family members of murdered RUC officers.

His son, Michael, died in an IRA attack at Belleeks, Co Armagh, on October 20, 1989, he was just 25-years-old. He left behind his grieving parents, his wife and young daughter. He had been married for just five years.

Greer himself, had spent 18 years working in industry, 28 years in the civil service at training centres in Enniskillen, Newry, Belfast and Londonderry and closed his career in Craigavon and 27 months at B&Q.

He also served with the RUC Reserve and the UDR.

He still keeps busy and is a lunchtime supervisor at Markethill High School.