Police officer, 38, who died suddenly on duty is pictured for first time as tributes pour in

The police community is mourning the loss of an officer who tragically collapsed and died while on duty last month.

At just 38 years old, Pc Ian Minett, was serving with Gloucestershire Police during a night shift when he suddenly passed away. Having rejoined the force in 2022, he had previously dedicated 13 years as a special constable.

His family released a heartfelt statement: "He was working as a Cheltenham and Tewkesbury local policing constable when he tragically and suddenly passed away, despite the gallant efforts of his colleagues on B shift nights and the ambulance paramedics,".

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They expressed immense pride in his service: "We, as Ian's parents, and family, are all very proud of his achievements within the police force."

Finding solace in his dedication, they said: "We take consolation in the fact that Ian died performing the job he loved, in the town he loved, and that he was well loved and respected by all who knew him and worked with him."

The family honoured their son: "Ian, we were privileged to have had you as our son, and we will keep your memories alive in our hearts and minds forever."

They concluded with a poignant tribute: "Pc 255080 we salute you."

Pc Minett's career began as a special constable with Gloucestershire Police in 2006, followed by a stint as a call handler for Thames Valley Police. He later became a full-time officer with the Ministry of Defence before returning to Gloucestershire Police three years prior to his untimely death.

Adam Williams, chairman of Gloucestershire Police Federation, previously stated: "I was lucky enough to work with Ian and he was well liked amongst all that had the pleasure of working alongside him and getting to know him.

"It is a massive loss to the shift, the station, and to the Constabulary as a whole."

Charities like Care of Police Survivors (COPS) and the Police Memorial Trust support the families of police officers who die on duty. COPS provides vital support to bereaved families. The Police Memorial Trust maintains a Roll of Honour of officers killed in the line of duty and provides information and support to the public and related organizations.

Since its foundation in 2003, COPS has helped support hundreds of police families devastated by the loss of a loved one who died on duty. COPS provides peer support opportunities to bring survivor families – the families of police officers who have lost their lives on duty – together, as well as access to counselling and specialist bereavement services.