Andy Buckley

posted 25/06/2021

I hadnt seen Dave for quite a few years but his influence on me and how I conduct myself at work has had a lasting impression. As a fresh faced young probationer, he only had to look at you in his way and you knew he either approved or I had to do better. It was the same look but you could always tell what he was thinking. 15 years on I still pause every now and then and ask myself would Sgt Bennett approve of a decission i make at work.

He was a lovely man and deeply respected. My sincerest condolences to his family. I am glad i knew him. An old school but fair copper, whose memory will certainly live on with me.

Andy Buckley CX 2003-2006 TEAM A

Ian Wheeler

posted 25/06/2021

I had the privilege of working with Dave on Team One at Charing Cross and my sympathies go to all his family, about whom he used to speak so proudly.
A fine police officer and even finer man.
Ian

Calum

posted 25/06/2021

My very heartfelt condolences to Debbie, Mark and Amy as well as the wider family.
Dave was a true gent that I have shared many a bottle of single malt with the n the early hours on my balcony in Dubai. We were diagnosed with a serious condition at about the same time and sadly Dave’s outcome was not as positive as mine. I will miss him.
RIP cous.

Paul Ward

posted 25/06/2021

I had the privilege being on team as the resident station officer. He Included me in everything the team had to offer and expected the high standards of me as he expected from his troops. A lovely gentleman who taught me lots and was highly respected. It was the best time of my career. Says it all. Sincerest condolences to his friends and loved ones.

Andy McNaughton

posted 26/06/2021

Absolutely devastated to hear the sad news of Dave's passing. My sincere condolences to you, the family. Its difficult to articulate just what he meant to all of us who had the pleasure to know and work with him and call him a friend. He had a set of qualities that sadly are in short supply these days - his humour, professionalism, standards and genuine care for his colleagues meant whether you were a probationer, experienced peer or new inspector he always had your back. Dave you wore the 'Queen's shiny buttons' with distinction and 'the laughter definitely outweighed the tears'. Just not today!. Rest easy, Andy Mc

Martin Cooper

posted 26/06/2021

A great friend who will be really missed .one of the best .Rest in peace Dave.

Sheila Cameron

posted 27/06/2021

So sorry for your loss. He always came to see me with a bunch of flowers when he came to Bournemouth on a police conference. He was a lovely man and will be missed. X

Kay Enever

posted 27/06/2021

A true gent. Worked with Sgt Bennett at CX when I was a caddie. So professional and very fair. He treated everyone the way he wish to be treated himself. Last saw him at the Tattershall Castle on one of our memorials for Blokie, still holding fort. He inspired many a newbie who knew he was the go to man. He was so well respected and will be greatly missed. Have a pint or two up there sgt. RIP x

Tim Bridges

posted 27/06/2021

First met Dave at Maurice Drummond Section House in the late 1970’s. Dave was one of the real characters at the Drum along with Paul Jordan, Mark Graham, Paul Blagg etc etc….
Dave was going out with Debbie at the time.
I next met up with Dave at CX some 25 years later and he hadn’t changed. Still a larger than life character and a genuinely nice, helpful and friendly guy.
Condolences to Debbie and family for your sad loss.

Derek Barham

posted 28/06/2021

Deepest sympathy to Debbie, Mark and Amy and their families.

Dave we've been pals for over 40 years, RIP

David Norton

posted 28/06/2021

A true gentleman and the epitome of a Metropolitan Police Officer. Your kindness and advice will never be forgotten. I enjoyed our weekends away on football tours. As a new grandfather myself I am so pleased you got to spend time with your grandchildren. I am sure your values will guide them throughout their lives

My best wishes to Dave’s family at this sad time

posted 28/06/2021

Over many years I both worked with and played football with Dave and was lucky enough to travel through Eastern Europe on our football tours for 20 odd years, he was a true gentleman and I shall miss him

Tim Smith

posted 28/06/2021

RIP Dave ‘Crusher’ Bennett. Got to know you on 10 boys trips away every October… in fact we roomed together on the last one in October 2019 in Vienna. Nothing but fond memories and you were such a good bloke to drink with, share war stories about the job and count down the years until retirement! This news came as such a shock and the very least we can do is raise a beer in your direction on our next tour. Thoughts are with all your family at this sad time and I’ll miss my room mate loads. RIP Dave.

Sophie davis

posted 28/06/2021

He was such a beautiful man, who always welcomed me into his home!
Amy always has the biggest smile on her face when talking about him.
He will be terribly missed x

Tony Castles PS74CX

posted 28/06/2021

Sincere condolences to Debbie, Mark & Amy at the sad loss of Dave. I worked with Dave for over 5 years and we shared many family stories and you were always lovingly referred to as Mrs Bennett and the Benettons. Dave was a great story teller and each day we laughed. Together we gave ‘ parental ‘ guidance to most on our team and you can be assured Dave's advice was highly respected. He was one of life’s true Gentlemen and a great m8. This is such a sad loss to all and I hope you take comfort in the fact that he did actually make a positive difference to those who knew him. RIP Dave

Lee Nelson

posted 28/06/2021

I have many fond memories of drink ups after football where we would enter ‘The Bennett Zone’ and slightly less memories the morning after! Dave was also the instigator of the idea to start the weekends away in eastern Europe, which took us from Prague to Vienna over the years including a sojourn to Estonia where he bumped into a former colleague in a hotel sauna of all places! I would not have gone on any of those trips if Dave had not been so generous to drive the airport run and neither would I be in the job without his words of wisdom and encouragement. A truly genial and inspirational man, my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Pardeep Singh Gosal

posted 29/06/2021

I joined the job late and Dave was one of my sergeants at CX, along with Tony Castles and Dean Lanfear.
He was a decent respected man and used to say to me “you’re layed back, don’t let the job change you” I remember those words to this day, Last saw him at Blokey’s memorial drink, gave a brilliant speech as usual.

Condolences to his friends and family, RIP Dave 🙏🏽

Vince Morley

posted 30/06/2021

Condolences to Debbie Mark and Amy and the rest of his extended family. I met Dave when he joined the Met and came to Tower Bridge about forty years ago. We have been friends ever since. Dave was simply a GOOD BLOKE as the comments bear witness to and I will really miss him. RIP mate.

Michelle Gallagher

posted 01/07/2021

Dearest Mrs Bennett and the little Bennett’s as I can think of you all in no other way!
Like many others, I was shocked and upset to hear of the loss of Dave he always spoke of you all with love and pride, a mark of the fine man that he was. He was an absolute pleasure to work with and looked after us all with his pearls of wisdom, amusing sayings (short hair shiny shoes!) and stories. He will be sorely missed by many. Sending so much love to you all. Michelle and Shaun xx

Michelle Gallagher

posted 01/07/2021

In memory of a truly top chap!

Margaret Smith

posted 01/07/2021

I had the honour of being the Admin Assistant for Dave & his team when we all worked in Central Complaints. I will always remember him as a kind, funny man and really respected as a Police Officer. He was always very supportive of me, especially when I had a family death to deal with. Although I hadn't seen Dave for a while, having moved away from London, like many others the memories of our social drinking will never be forgotten! My condolences to all his family. x

Dean Lanfear

posted 01/07/2021

I was lucky to have worked with Dave at Charing Cross when i was a new sergeant (the boy sergeant as he called me). Like many others I remember Dave as a good colleague and an even better friend. Dave had clear standards of what was expected of a police officer and you knew if you had not met them. He was always ready with words of advice, either passed on in the back yard of CX or quite often in The Lemon Tree (he was never happy how early TC would go home). Above all, I remember the pride with which Dave spoke about his family - ‘Mrs Bennett’ and the ‘Little Bennett’s’ - and it was clear how important his family were to him. Dave will be sadly missed, but left an impression on those who knew him. Thank you Dave.

Kenny Reeves

posted 01/07/2021

David, you were the best of a great group of officers. You always had time for those that needed it, and your advice continues to help officers even today. It was my privilege to be your guvnor, and an even bigger privilege to have served with you. Rest easy, Sgt Bennett, your tour has ended.

Amy

posted 01/07/2021

Dad,

You really are the best dad I could ever wish for, and to sum up our bond in a message would be impossible, but I wanted to share just a few memories: The holiday dance, chocolate medicine, duets in the car to Kelly Price, The Isley Brothers and Boys To Men, late night snacks and laughs waking mum up, watching Peter Kay, mascara stained white T-shirt’s after I needed a cuddle and a pep talk, being mine and my friends favourite chauffeur and our trips to the cafe.

Our many family holidays: Denny’s and IHOP breakfasts, picking out blue shirts in American outlets, holiday bear, queuing for Mickey Mouse, walking down the Vegas strip, our favourite restaurant by the Dubai fountains, trips to Devon, the Amapola and all the laughs the four of us had along the way.

You have been my rock my whole life, and going through the hardest thing without you has been almost unbearable, but you trained me well. Shoulders back aye dad.

Love you lots pops, we’ll do you proud.

The Kid
Xx

John Rea PS58CX

posted 01/07/2021

Deepest Sympathy to Debbie and family.
Ive never had more respect for anyone than Dave Bennett. As a new skipper I could not have had a better mentor. Dave was above all professional and wise, but fun and full of empathy. The only time I saw him truly flustered was when I told him his favourite Chinese Resturant.. "The Purlple Place" as he called it, in Lisle St had closed..
The Queens Cloth and Shiny Buttons.
God Bless Dave

Shannon House

posted 01/07/2021

Sending all my love to the family, I am so deeply saddened for you. I feel so privileged to have grown up around Dave and his gorgeous family. I’ll always cherish the memories I had with them. Dave always looked after us, all the 'kids'!

Truly a remarkable man who will be so missed by everyone who knew him.

Vanessa Custons

posted 02/07/2021

I had the pleasure of knowing Dave through Amy. He was one of life’s true Gentlemen. Always so welcoming, kind and funny. I loved listening to his stories and his great advice.
I have never witnessed a more special father, daughter bond than the one Dave and Amy shared.
He will be so deeply missed but his legacy will live on through his family and his beautiful granddaughters.
Sending love to Debbie, Amy, Mark and all of Dave’s family and friends xx

NIGEL MASCARENHAS

posted 02/07/2021

Dave was one of the finest men I know as anyone who has ever met him will attest to. I know he was a very loving and proud husband and father and will be greatly missed. I've known dave for c25 years first meeting him in the Hotel and then meeting him on commutes up to London. I kid you not that we laughed and joked all the way every time we met so much so other passengers on the morning commute must have thought we were on something! Dave was my proposer when I joined the Club which he loved dearly. I looked forward every week to our rendezvous up there where the same characters would prop up the bar and share stories. No matter what had happened that week Dave would always make sure everyone had a laugh. Some words which may ring a bell are "no dramas" on relationship guidance, "live a bit" which was encouragement to have something from the top shelf towards the end of the night and of course when he really got in to things a little song or the biggest laugh in the club! Dave I'll dearly miss you but your spirit, demeanour and words will stay with me. I wish Debbie and his family all the best and my deepest condolences. "Shoulders back one two one two" were the words that came at end of the night and I'll sign off with. Nige

Lia Hughes

posted 02/07/2021

Thinking of you all at this extremely difficult time and sending all the love in the world. Growing up as Amy’s best friend I witnessed hands on just how special they're bond was. Dave was always there no matter what and Amy idolised him in so many ways. He was always the Dad of the group who would be there no matter the time or place (including the Mac Donald breakfast runs for us) Amy is an absolute credit to him and I’m so sorry for your loss! Xxx

Paul Harwood

posted 02/07/2021

I first met Dave when I was posted to Tower Bridge in 1980 as an 18 year old. The Boy Harwood as he called me! He was the man to turn to for help and advice, a big brother figure. In later years, after I had transferred we had some great trips up North and on Guernsey with Vince and Bam Bam! Cheers Dave, Top Man.

Colin Learmouth

posted 02/07/2021

David was a man amongst men, who will be sadly missed by those fortunate to have known him.

Melanie Burridge

posted 02/07/2021

I had the pleasure to work with Dave at CX, he was my first skipper. He had many wise words, a very kind man who taught me well. He always had a story to tell and the room would fill with laughter.. He was a true legend, RIP Dave, my love and heartfelt thoughts are with your family and friends xx

Thomas Kent

posted 02/07/2021

I am so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure, mostly, working with Dave at Complaints and being his room mate on our initial trips to Eastern Europe. He always joked that he had staff to make his tea when I drew him a map of our office showing where the kettle was. He joked that this included his family but I knew how proud he was of all of you.

Kris Lall and Barbara

posted 02/07/2021

Remembering the good times we all had at Tower Bridge and Rotherhithe, the Anchor Tap, fishing off Ramsgate, the stag do's, Dave and Debbie's marriage night and the eventful honeymoon drive to the Bromley Court Hotel where we dropped them off .
With deepest sympathy to Debbie and the growing family.
Dave has left us , but will not be forgotten , always cheerful and helpful , a good man.

Ian Carter

posted 02/07/2021

Always great company over the years of playing football and annual team tours of Europe. Many good times had and fond memories made. A true gentleman. RIP.

James Bambrough

posted 02/07/2021

Lovely man taken far too soon. Rest in peace.

Zerina Mozam

posted 02/07/2021

Heartbreaking news my sincere condolences to all the family ....Rest in peace Sgt Bennett.

Linda

posted 02/07/2021

R.I.P David,always a gentleman,god bless.xx

Raymond Weston

posted 02/07/2021

A true gentleman, a pleasure of having known you. God Bless.

Lauren Gou

posted 03/07/2021

Sending our love to Amy and all the family. Thinking of you all at this extremely difficult time.
Lauren, Lucas & Elena xxx

Angela Eames

posted 15/07/2021

Dear Dave has been a part of our lives for many years, we have many lovely memories especially all the family do’s when Dave always managed to watch the football, this is my favourite photo of Dave and his niece Nicola, you will be sadly missed, forever in our hearts and thoughts xx

Paul Scotney

posted 21/02/2022

Dear (Dave) Bennett family - I am so sorry for your loss which I have only just found out about.

I served in the RAF with Dave in Germany and latterly made contact with him again a number of years later when I also joined the Met. In the last few years I lost touch with Dave and so am shocked to only hear now of his passing he was a lovely guy and now massively regret not staying in touch with him. Kind regards, Paul