Tributes paid after the 'sudden passing' of 'devoted father' and 'compassionate' police officer

Chief Constable Richard Lewis has said Cleveland Police “has lost a hugely important member of our policing family” following the “sudden passing” of PC Dave Page earlier this week.

The father of two had worked at the force for 13 years, including in response, CID, neighbourhood and offender management roles.

In a touching tribute, Mr Lewis described PC Dave Page as a “devoted father” and a “loving husband”.

He said: “Cleveland Police has lost a hugely important member of our policing family with the sudden passing of a serving officer, Dave Page, PC 2217 this week.

"It’s standard practice to place rank and collar number before an officer’s name but it feels inappropriate to me for one important reason; Dave was first and foremost a family man.

“As such, his rank and collar number are secondary to the most important role he played; being a loving husband to Helen and devoted father to two wonderful young children.

"This devotion to what’s important in life had the effect of making Dave excellent at what he did, which was being a compassionate and effective police officer.”

Mr Lewis continued: “In a career spanning 13 years, Dave worked tirelessly in various commands including response, CID, neighbourhoods and offender management.

“Cleveland Police is a family which extends beyond those we employ to their loved ones.

"I know how invested the family of officers, staff and volunteers are in the work their loved ones do here.

"Dave’s family are an important part of our extended police family and we will always be here to lend a hand and be there for them – that’s what families do.”

He added: “It was my privilege to meet with Helen and offer the profound sympathies of all of us at Cleveland Police.”

The force have opened a digital book of condolence and their flags were flown at half mast earlier this week as a mark of respect to PC Page.

Further details about the circumstances surrounding his death have still to be revealed.

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