Tributes to 'Respected' Hertsmere police inspector
FAMILY and colleagues of a top police officer and father-of-two have paid tribute following his sudden and unexpected death. Hertsmere neighbourhood inspector Dave Rankin died of a suspected heart attack while at a Police Federation Conference in Swindon.
FAMILY and colleagues of a top police officer and father-of-two have paid tribute following his sudden and unexpected death.
Hertsmere neighbourhood inspector Dave Rankin died of a suspected heart attack while at a Police Federation Conference in Swindon. He was 47.
This week his family spoke about a loving family man they described as "our rock".
Insp Rankin became the Hertsmere neighbourhood inspector in 2001, having originally joined Hertfordshire Constabulary back in 1982.
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A statement issued by wife Karen, daughters Rebecca, 13, and Sophie, 12, and parents Lillian and Bill read: "He loved his job; he was a real people person.
"He found his niche as a neighbourhood inspector and worked very hard at resolving residents' concerns and reassuring the community.
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"He was heavily involved within Hertsmere communities and attended lots of public meetings. He was really happy and committed in his work and didn't want to do anything else."
A keen sportsman and mountain climber, Insp Rankin was a life-
long fan of Scottish Premier League football side Celtic, and could count climbing Ben Nevis as one of his achievements.
"Dave was fun, competitive and a real family man," his family said.
"He loved his daughters; they were the be all and end all of his life.
"He always put his family first, he had a big heart and was lots of fun.
"It will be very hard without him - he was our rock."
Pc Paul Reading, a ward constable in Potters Bar, said: "He was a fantastic guv'nor to work for, and always there if you needed him or his advice.
"He was very well respected throughout Hertsmere and everyone knew him. It's a tragic loss to the force, his family and friends. He was such a nice man."
Insp Rankin's funeral took place today (Wednesday).
