Tributes have been paid after a 43-year-old police officer collapsed and died while on duty. PC Andy Boardman, of West Mercia Police, had been responding to an incident in Broseley, Shropshire, when he was taken ill on Tuesday.
Despite the efforts of paramedics who were with him at the time responding to the same call, he could sadly not be saved. Heartbroken colleagues have now paid tribute to the popular dad-of-two, who was also a former member of the Armed Forces.
Chief Constable Pippa Mills said: “This is a terrible shock for everyone that knew Andy and my thoughts, and the thoughts of all of us at West Mercia Police, are with his wife, Luci, their two daughters and all his family, friends and colleagues. Andy was a familiar and friendly face across the communities he served and well-liked by his colleagues across the whole force.
"Today we are flying our flags at half-mast as a sign of respect. Andy was responding to an incident alongside paramedics from the West Midlands Ambulance Service when he was taken ill. I want to pass on our sincere thanks to the paramedics who did everything they possibly could for Andy and to the officers that were with him.”
Andy joined West Mercia Police in 2015, having started his policing career in 2007 with West Midlands Police. Prior to joining the police he served in the Armed Forces for seven years. During his time with West Mercia Police he worked in Kidderminster, Stourport and most recently with the Safer Neighbourhood Team for Broseley and Much Wenlock.
A force spokesperson added: "Andy’s wife Luci has asked us to pass on her thanks to all their colleagues and members of the public who have sent her and their family kind and thoughtful messages of support."
West Midlands Police tweeted: "Our thoughts are with family and friends of PC Boardman today."
West Midlands Ambulance Service revealed PC Boardman suffered a medical emergency while responding to reports of a concern for welfare.
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A service spokesperson said: “We were called at 12.52pm to a concern for welfare at a private address in Birch Meadow, Broseley. Three ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Midland Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.
“Upon arrival we found one patient who was assessed by ambulance staff and conveyed to hospital for further assessment. Whilst at the scene, a second patient suffered an unrelated medical emergency. He received advanced life support from ambulance staff but, unfortunately, despite their best efforts nothing more could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased at the scene.”
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “It is heart-breaking to hear of the passing of PC Andy Boardman. I had the pleasure of meeting PC Boardman in his work as a West Mercia police officer, and I share the shock of this sad loss.
“My thoughts are with PC Boardman’s family, friends and his West Mercia colleagues during this difficult time - particularly those who were with him. I would also like to thank the paramedics for their efforts in trying to save PC Boardman’s life.”
Friend Dan Button also paid tribute on Facebook, writing: “I consider myself fortunate to class Andy Boardman as one of my good friends. From going through basic training together to seeing him career transition into the Police, Andy has remained a consummate professional, someone who lived life to the full, kept himself fit and healthy, providing incredible opportunities for his family. Devastated to hear from Luci last night of the tragic news of his death whilst at work.”
