Tragedy claims life of popular Police Officer on Christmas Day
TRIBUTES have been paid to a “passionate, professional and universally-liked” South Yorkshire Police officer who died on duty on Christmas Day.
PC Dave Fields – a married father of two – was responding to an incident when the marked BMW 3 Series he was driving was in collision with a Citroen C3 on the A57 in Sheffield on Monday 25 December.
Zuleika Payne, Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “This incident is too tragic for words, it’s horrific. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, loved ones, friends and close colleagues who will be feeling the utter devastation.
“PC Dave Fields will be much missed.
“On behalf of the Police Federation and the officers I represent I express our deepest sympathy and condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.”
The woman, who was a passenger in the Citroen, has been named as Lorraine Stephenson.
In a tribute issued by South Yorkshire Police, PC Field’s family said they were “heartbroken” and “devastated”.
“Dave was a loving husband and dad of two, who was a dedicated officer committed to his job,” his family said.
“We are heartbroken by our loss and ask that our privacy please be respected at this devastating time.”
David Hartley, an Assistant Chief Constable with South Yorkshire Police, said PC Fields had been with the force 12 years and was “a passionate, professional and universally-liked officer”.
He said: “On behalf of the force I’d like to offer my sincere condolences to all of those left bereaved by this terrible tragedy, our thoughts, love and support are extended to all those affected.
“We are doing everything we can to support them through this difficult time. I ask that their privacy is respected at this sad time.
“We have lost a friend and a colleague from our police family in this incident. [PC Field’s] colleagues, and everyone across the force, are devastated by what has happened.
“Our thoughts are with both families who have lost loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
South Yorkshire Police tweeted: “We would like to thank you for your messages of condolences since the terrible tragedy on Christmas Day.
“Our thoughts and support are with all families involved.”