Tributes have flooded in for a ‘dedicated’ Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) who died after testing positive for coronavirus.
Graham Wesley Dinning, who was known to his colleagues and friends as Wez, fell ill with the virus on October 14 and had been self-isolating at home.
However, his condition worsened and he passed away on Wednesday October 28, Northumbria Police confirmed.
The 48-year-old leaves behind wife Laura, who also works for Northumbria Police, and their son Adam.
Paying tribute, Laura said: ‘We are absolutely devastated beyond words.
‘Wez was a caring and loving husband and father – and an incredible friend who will be greatly missed by so many.
‘He really loved working for Northumbria Police and was proud to be a PCSO.
‘I would ask everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, that they remember him with humour because I know that’s what he would want.’
Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenen led tributes from the force.
He said: ‘The thoughts of everyone at Northumbria Police are with Laura and Adam, and Graham’s wider family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
‘They have our deepest sympathies and our full support.
‘Many of those friends include colleagues, and the impact of this tragic loss will be felt across the whole police family.
‘Graham was a dedicated and well-respected member of Northumbria Police.
He was a real character and was an extremely popular and likeable colleague who was committed to making a real difference to the communities he served.’
Other police forces also paid tribute to Graham on social media.
South Wales Police tweeted: ‘We’re really sorry to hear about Wez’s passing, and our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, and colleagues. RIP.’
Cumbria Roads Police said: ‘Deepest condolences to Laura and family. I knew Wes and Laura from my time at Southwick and they are a truly lovely couple. Wez was a true gentleman R.I.P.’
Graham began his career with Northumbria Police more than 28 years ago, on April 13 1992, as a general office assistant in Farringdon.
He worked in various roles within Business Support across Southern Area Command including Farringdon, Washington and in Sunderland.
Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/28/tributes-to-dedicated-pcso-who-died-after-testing-positive-for-coronavirus-13497789/?ito=cbshare
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