Tributes to officer a year after van death

Pc Andrew Bramma died when his police van collided with a tree close to the village of West Tanfield near Ripon, as he responded to an incident on January 5, 2013.

North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Dave Jones and Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick yesterday laid flowers in memory of the officers at the police memorial stones outside the force’s Newby Wiske Hall headquarters.

Tomorrow and Monday the North Yorkshire Police flag will fly at half-mast as a mark of respect to the father-of-two.

Sgt Mike Stubbs, Secretary of North Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “Our thoughts are with the people who will be missing Andrew the most this weekend – his wife Kathryn, his two sons Jack and Sam, his parents and wider family, and his friends and colleagues.

“Andrew was greatly loved and hugely respected, and this anniversary will be a painful and poignant reflection of just how great a loss he is, both as a family man and as a police officer.

“With the severe weather anticipated this weekend, the anniversary of his death is also a sombre and timely reminder of the dangers that police officers, and members of other emergency services, face as they work to keep the public safe.”

Sgt Stubbs also praised fund raising efforts to support PC Bramma‘s children, Jack and Sam, aged four and one. The Police Federation has so far had more than £28,000 in contributions.

Donations can be made by bank transfer to Unity Trust Bank, sort code 08 60 01, account number 20303088, account name ‘NYPF Jack and Sam Fund’.

Cheques payable to ‘NYPF Jack and Sam Fund’ can be posted to North Yorkshire Police HQ, Newby Wiske, Northallerton, DL7 9HA.