Funeral for Sheffield police officer killed on Christmas Day

There'll be a guard of honour for the funeral of a popular Sheffield police officer later after he died on duty on Christmas Day. PC Dave Fields, 45, was responding to an emergency call when he was involved in a head-on crash on the A57.

The passenger in the other vehicle, 61-year-old Lorraine Stephenson, also died.

Today a guard of honour, police bikes and horses will accompany his body as his friends and family say their final goodbyes at Grenoside Crematorium.

PC Fields' family said in a statement:

"Dave was an amazing husband, father and friend who was loved by everyone who knew him.

“He really enjoyed his job and was proud to be a police officer. He was brave, funny and a well-respected member of his team, who he saw as close friends rather than just colleagues.

“He made us all proud every day and will be missed so much.

“I’m really grateful for the support and incredibly kind wishes we have received from everyone so far and I’d please ask that our privacy as a family is continued to be respected, especially today as we gather to celebrate Dave’s life.

“He was an amazing man and will be in our thoughts each and every single day."

PC Fields was also a popular amateur referee in Sheffield in his spare time - Sheffield Referee Association say his "cheeky grin and quick wit will be sorely missed."

His' dog Bertie will be a part of the procession today - he'll be walked by a uniformed officer.

PC Fields’ Sergeant, Lee Beck, and his other colleagues, have also paid tribute to their ‘best friend.’

Sgt Beck said: “Dave was a hardworking, dedicated officer who prided himself in being there for others. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Dave. His drive and determination in his policing role was second to none, his skills set was vast and his overall attitude and knowledge base was exemplary.

“Not only was Dave a fine officer but he was a friend; the best friend!

“His team were his family and he would always put himself second to make sure they were happy and upbeat. He would always have a laugh and a joke at a fellow colleagues mistakes. He would never let you live it down and would wind you up about it for months, but always in the best possible humour!

“His friendly banter made the office a brighter place to be. We would look forward to his terrible jokes and tenuous innuendos… He was funny because he wasn’t if that makes sense.

“Dave was a joy to be around. He made work fun and even at the toughest of times, he could make his colleagues smile. For this, we are forever grateful to him.

“Dave was a credit to our department and the force. We, in the Operational Support Unit, are honoured and privileged to have known and worked alongside such a fine officer. PC 3313 Fields has left a massive, unfillable hole in our department but he will always be in our thoughts and forever in our hearts."

Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, used to be a special constable and is now Shadow Policing Minister.

She told Hallam this tragic incident shows how brave our police are in protecting us:

"It couldn't really be worse circumstances to die in such a way on Christmas Day with his kids waiting for him at home. It is absolutely heart breaking and I'm sure the funeral will be filled with people who loved and respected PC Fields.

"Every single day, our emergency services workers they put their uniform on and they risk their lives. They're going into dangerous situations, they're driving in dangerous situations, they do so with their eyes wide open, that is why they are all heroes in my eyes."