Flags across Hampshire Constabulary are being flown at half mast and a minute’s silence is being held this afternoon to remember PC Steve Rawson, who died in a crash on Thomas Lewis Way, and whose funeral takes place today (April 22). This from the police in their own words:
PC Rawson, 40, died following a collision while on operational duty in Southampton on April 3, 2013.
He leaves a wife and two young children.
Hundreds of people from all over the country including colleagues from police forces across the UK and beyond have signed an online book of condolence, and donations have been given from far and wide to a fund for Steve’s family.
At 2.45pm today, officers and staff will gather together at police stations across the two counties in a minute of silent remembrance.
In paying tribute to PC Rawson, Chief Constable Andy Marsh said:
“Policing is a vocation that people are passionate about because it is about making a real difference to the communities we serve. It also, thank goodness remains a job with a very strong sense of team, camaraderie, and occasionally fun.
“Steve contributed all of these characteristics in huge measure. He was doing a job he loved that was incredibly important; protecting our communities from the most dangerous and organised of criminals. This is vital work, often unseen by the public and I know that Steve enjoyed it immensely.
“Without the work that Steve was such an important part of, the safety and very fabric of our communities would be under serious threat. Steve’s colleagues all speak of him being a great person to have around the team, passionate, capable, with a strong sense of fun which undoubtedly helped keep people upbeat in a difficult job.
“He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Hampshire Constabulary is poorer for his loss."
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes said:
"I never had the pleasure of meeting Steve Rawson, but I know from speaking to colleagues he was an experienced officer dedicated to his duty and determined to protect the public of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
"He was very much valued by members of his team and will be greatly missed by them and the constabulary as a whole. His death has affected us all, and brought home the danger faced by officers in the course of their duty.
"The sadness of Steve's death must be felt mostly by his wife and children. My thoughts and prayers are with them, and his whole family, as they seek to come to terms with their loss. I hope that they may take some comfort from the great wave of support and condolence extended to them by the family that is Hampshire Constabulary."
John Apter, chair of Hampshire Police Federation, said:
“The loss of Steve has knocked us all. Many will say that the feeling of being part of the 'police family' is a thing of the past but the reaction from officers, staff and the public across the country has shown this not to be the case. The arms of the Police Federation will wrap around Steve’s family and support them over the coming months and years.
“PC Steve 'Slim' Rawson will remain in our hearts and memory, he will never be forgotten.”