PSNI officer shot in Omagh last year retires due to his injuries

John Caldwell, the police officer shot by dissident republicans in Omagh almost two years ago, has retired from the PSNI.

Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was shot multiple times during the gun attack at Omagh Sports Centre on February 22, 2023.

He was hit by several bullets as he walked to his car after coaching a boy’s football team.

Young members of the team, including Det Ch Insp Caldwell’s son, ran from the scene in horror.

The senior police officer did not return to work following the attack, and UTV this evening revealed he retired from the PSNI on December 5 this year.

A large number of people have been charged in connection with the attack on Det Ch Insp Caldwell.

A claim of responsibility for the New IRA attack was written on a piece of paper stuck on a wall in the Creggan area of Derry four days later.

Last month, Det Ch Insp Caldwell received the King’s Police Medal for distinguished service in the police force.

He was presented with the medal by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.

In a statement to UTV, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “We can confirm that as of 5th December 2024, Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell has retired from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

“John was the subject of a cowardly and murderous attack in 2023 and we thank him for his bravery, commitment and service to the public.

“We wish him all the very best in the future.”