Tributes paid after police officer dies suddenly on duty

PC Andy Boardman collapsed suddenly while on duty and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tributes have been paid to a serving police officer after he died suddenly while on duty.

PC Andy Boardman, who worked for West Mercia Police, was responding to an incident on Tuesday afternoon (April 11), when he suddenly collapsed and was taken ill.

Emergency services rushed to his location to provide first aid, but they were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 43-year-old leaves behind two daughters and his wife, Luci.

She has thanked people who have sent well-wishes following the tragedy. And chief constable Pippa Mills has paid tribute to Andy in an emotional statement calling his death a ‘terrible shock.’

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 heartbreaking 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.’

She has thanked people who have sent well-wishes following the tragedy. And chief constable Pippa Mills has paid tribute to Andy in an emotional statement calling his death a ‘terrible shock.’

PC 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.’

She added: ‘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.”

PC Boardman 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 service with West Mercia Police he worked in Kidderminster, Stourport and most recently within the Safer Neighbourhood Team for Broseley and Much Wenlock.

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