THE Duke of Kent dedicated a building to the memory of David McCann, an assistant chief constable of Kent, who died last year at the age of 41.

Family, friends and former colleagues of ACC McCann watched the Duke unveil a plaque at the entrance of a newly refurbished building at Kent Police Headquarters in Maidstone, on Wednesday .

The building, which houses specialist communications technology, will be known as McCann House in honour of a man who is said to have had a great impact on policing in Kent.

Among those at the ceremony were ACC McCann’s mother, Dolores, wife Bridget and children Sarah and Christopher. Afterwards Bridget McCann said: "It is a fitting tribute to him. The children are thrilled to be here."

ACC McCann, born and brought up in Belfast, coined Kent Police in 1984, working as a uniformed officer and then as a Detective Constable in Gravesend and Dartford.

He was rapidly promoted through the ranks and in 1992 was assigned to a team designing the new intelligence-led policing model, which was later adopted nationally.

Other postings included a stint of several years as a police commander in Medway before he was promoted to the rank of assistant chief constable with responsibility for all areas of specialist support, including counter terrorism, intelligence and serious crime investigation, in November 2003.

At the time of his appointment, he said he wanted to do more to stop drug dealers and get more officers on the streets.

ACC McCann died after suffering a heart attack at his home in July, 2004.

Paying tribute, Salvation Army chaplain to Kent Police HQ Robin McIntosh said: "He was a visionary. He had a heart and a soul for his job and for improving standards in policing.

"He was well known for his determination, energy, enthusiasm and dedication to his work, not forgetting his Irish charm."

Chief Constable Mike Fuller said: "David McCann’s contribution to policing in Kent has been significant. The naming of this building will be a lasting testament to that fact. We will certainly miss him."