Tributes paid to Lee-on-the-Solent police officer who died suddenly
Tributes have been paid to a Lee-on-the-Solent police officer who died suddenly.
PC Doug Franks, 43, was ‘much-liked and well-respected’.
He died suddenly at his home in Lee-on-the-Solent on February 10 and is survived by a son.
PC Franks was a member of the Bognor Response team with Sussex Police.
Tributes have also been paid to Sergeant Sean Preston, 50, a custody sergeant in Worthing who died on February 12.
He had been working from home for several months and was admitted to hospital in January after contracting Covid-19. He leaves his partner, children and grandchildren.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: ‘It has been a very sad week for Sussex Police with the untimely passing of two of our police family. My thoughts are with Doug and Sean’s families, friends and colleagues.
‘Doug was a much-liked and well-respected colleague, who fulfilled his ambition to be a police officer when he joined Sussex Police in July 2019. He was proud to achieve independent patrol status a year ago and served to keep people in Sussex safe.
‘A popular colleague, he was devoted to his son and his career. He joined the force after working as a financial investigator with the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, where he built strong friendships and was known for his infectious enthusiasm.’
Continuing: Sean was a highly respected and experienced officer working in a number of roles within the service including Neighbourhood Sergeant at Gatwick Airport and Custody Officer at Worthing and Brighton. Sean was a huge character with a great sense of humour he was loved by everyone he worked with and devoted to his family.
‘They will both be missed by all who knew them and I am proud that they were able to serve the local community with passion, pride and commitment.’