Tributes paid to Dorset Police officer who died on his way to work

Forty-seven-year-old Det Con Hicken was found unconscious in Boscombe Chine Gardens at Boscombe Pier on the morning of Sunday October 6. He was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no suspicious circumstances and the cause of death was given as natural causes.

Paying tribute earlier this week, Dorset Police Chief Constable James Vaughan said they were all “deeply saddened” by the death.

“At this very difficult time, our thoughts are with Jon’s family and close friends, many of whom are Dorset Police colleagues. I have relayed to them my deepest condolences,” he added.

“Following ten years of service from 1997 until 2007 with West Midlands Police, Jon transferred to Dorset Police. He held a variety of posts within Dorset Police working both in uniform policing roles and more recently as a detective within CID and public protection.

“Jon was widely regarded as an excellent police officer. He dedicated his professional life to protecting the most vulnerable in the community and has been instrumental in removing dangerous offenders from the streets of Dorset.

“As a person Jon was a popular approachable man who had the ability to find humour in the most difficult of circumstances. He was a dedicated family man who often shared his pride in his family with colleagues.

“Jon was well respected among his peers and his loss will be deeply felt by the policing family both on a professional and personal level.”

Mr Vaughan said the family was requesting privacy at this “very difficult time”.