Surrey Police pay tribute to 'larger than life' officer who died after testing positive for coronavirus
It is the first coronavirus related death in the force
Tributes have been paid to a Surrey Police officer who has died after testing positive for coronavirus.
52-year-old Sean Amey passed away in hospital on Sunday (24 January).
The Force has described Amey as a "larger than life character" who had dedicated more than 20 years to Surrey Police.
He had worked as a detention officer at Staines custody suite - which had to be shut for nearly two weeks last month following an outbreak of covid-19.
Amey is the first coronavirus related death in the force and leaves behind a wife and two sons.
Amey was often known as 'Mr Custody' and a statement from Surrey Police said:
"Sean was a cornerstone of the custody team, a larger than life character who made an impact on everyone he met.
"With an innate ability to defuse the most stressful situations, Sean’s friendship and big heart will be hugely missed and fondly remembered by so many of us.
"At this sad time, our thoughts are with his wife, Dawn and his sons Callum and Euan."
The Force have released two tributes to for their colleague.
From Staines custody team B to detention officer Sean Amey:
"The names Mr Custody and - with your naval history - Uncle Albert have been used to describe you. I can think of no greater accolade to give you as it fits your persona so well.
"You were a larger than life character, always ready with a story to tell (whether we wanted to hear it or not) and a love for Greggs Bakery that could only be rivalled by your love for Dawn and your boys.
"As a mentor you helped mould many a custody sergeant and detention officer alike during your service, and supported many colleagues through stressful times in your role as a Unison rep. Colleagues and ‘customers’ alike knew you and warmed to you, due to your unflappable and approachable manner. An example that many of us will continue to follow.
"In the wake of the tragic news of your passing Terry, Chloe, Sarah, Jo, Stella, Marc, Hassan, Lucy and I are leading by your example and are extending our support to Dawn, Callum and Euan as we know you would do to any one of our families.
"This was a heart-warming trait that you demonstrated daily, extending compassion, a listening ear and your thoughts with anyone who needed them.
Sean, while the team are lost for words, I know that this is something that you would find funny as you very rarely were! While the corridors of custody will remain busy, they will be forevermore a quieter place to walk without your voice and presence.
Rest in Peace our dear friend.
Chief Inspector Dave Mitchell, head of custody said Sean was not only a colleague but a friend:
"Where to start with Sean? He has been part of the fixtures of custody for as long as I can remember, through the good times and the bad. His infectious laugh and loud voice were all part of his character and charm. He had a manner that enabled him to change the outcomes of situations, to calm potentially volatile encounters with some of our more angry customers or to bring a smile to another’s face.
"Sean was sensitive and caring and this came through in everything he did.
"He used his extensive experiences to help others and guide them in how custody works and to help new starters with their own development or to guide colleagues through difficult times.
"He was a point of contact for me in his capacity as Unison representative and helped me get a feel for how staff were feeling or responding to change, which was hard as Sean always saw the positive even when the chips were down.
"Sean was not only a colleague but a friend and a true gent, he will be sorely missed by all that had the pleasure to know him. RIP Sean.
In a statement, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said the tragedy highlights the 'incredible bravery of officers and staff' putting them selves in harms way throughout the pandemic:
“It was with much sadness that we heard that one of our policing family had passed away. Sean was a stalwart of Surrey Police; an absolute credit to this force. He will live on as an inspiration to us of what it means to be a dedicated and compassionate colleague and person.
“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Dawn, Callum, Euan and all of Sean’s friends and colleagues.”