Tributes paid following sudden death of much-loved officer
Dorset Police Chief Constable James Vaughan has led tributes to a much-loved serving officer, Police Constable Mandy Berrystone, following her sudden death.
An ambulance had been called to PC Berrystone’s home in Poole, Dorset, on the evening of Wednesday September 30 following reports of a medical emergency.
The officer, 34, was taken to hospital, but died a short time later. She had been off work since August 27 after sustaining a fracture to her ankle.
Dorset Police said there was no indication at this time that her death was Covid-19 related. It is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.
The officer, who was known out of work under her married name of Mandy Fairweather, leaves a husband, Andrew, and two young children – James, six, and nine-year-old Faith.
Mr Vaughan said: “It is with the greatest of sadness and the heaviest of hearts that I have to inform you of the death of Mandy.
“We are all devastated to have lost a member of our police family. Our thoughts remain with her family, friends and very many colleagues at this extremely difficult time.
“Mandy joined Dorset Police on November 20, 2006, and was a valued member of A Squad at Poole patrol. She dedicated almost 14 years to serving the people of Dorset and was a much-loved friend and colleague.”
Police Sergeant Suzie Corsie-Mackay, who was PC Berrystone’s close friend and sergeant, said: “Mandy was part of the furniture at Poole having served there since joining the police. She welcomed everyone with open arms and completed all of her work with diligence, charm and a great sense of humour. An all-round top girl who wore her heart on her sleeve and mischievous grin on her face. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she looked after us all.
“She was a fiercely loyal woman who loved her husband and children more than anything in the world. Loved by so many, her northern tenacity and raucous laugh will never ever be forgotten.”
Poole and Purbeck Patrol Inspector Jess Pearcey added: “Mandy was a joy to have in the station, she was full of laughter and had an amazing upbeat attitude. She was incredibly welcoming to me when I joined the section and I will always remember her enthusiasm for the job, her team and the section. She will be greatly missed.”
