Sussex Police mourns officers who died just days apart
The force's Chief Constable has paid tribute to both Doug Franks and Sean Preston
Sussex Police's Chief Constable has led tributes to two police officers who died within days of each other last week.
PC Doug Franks (right in picture), who served as a member of the Bognor Response team, died suddenly at his home in Lee-on-the-Solent on Wednesday (February 10th).
Doug was 43 and leaves a son.
Sergeant Sean Preston (left in picture), a custody sergeant in Worthing, died on Friday (February 12th).
The 50-year-old had been working from home for several months and was admitted to hospital in January after contracting Covid-19.
Sean 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.
"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.”