The funeral of PC Andrew Bramma who tragically died in the line of duty was held today.
The service, which was attended by officers from North Yorkshire Police and his former colleagues at Greater Manchester Police, along with PC Bramma’s family and friends, took place at Pudsey Parish Church, in Leeds.
PC Bramma died when his patrol van collided with a tree at West Tanfield, near Ripon, while he was responding to an emergency call on Saturday 5 January 2013.
This afternoon, 36 officers made up of PC Bramma’s colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and North Yorkshire Police, formed a Guard of Honour as his coffin was carried into the church.
A minute’s silence was held by officers and staff across North Yorkshire Police at 1.45pm to coincide with beginning of PC Bramma’s funeral.
Prayers followed the period of silence at Harrogate Police Station, where PC Bramma was based, and at North Yorkshire Police headquarters at Newby Wiske.
Tributes
Temporary Chief Constable Tim Madgwick, of North Yorkshire Police said:
Andrew was a fine young officer who had a long career ahead of him in North Yorkshire Police having already served in Greater Manchester Police. His colleagues speak of him in very high regard, he was already part of the team in Harrogate and he had all the attributes and skills we need in a young officer.
He was conscientious, he was there to protect the public, there to serve the community, we are just so sorry that we have lost a colleague in these circumstances.
Andrew’s family are clearly devastated by what has happened and our thoughts are with them, particularly today. It is their loss today and I know all my colleagues are full of admiration for the way in which they have dealt with this tragedy and our hearts are with them.
Sgt Mike Stubbs, of North Yorkshire Police Federation said:
Andrew’s death has hit his closest colleagues the hardest but a tragedy like this reverberates throughout not only North Yorkshire Police but throughout the police service and that has been recognised by the tributes we have received from forces around the country.
It’s clear that Andrew was a very highly respected officer, I’ve spoken to his colleagues at Harrogate and his former colleagues at Greater Manchester Police and he was known as a thoroughly professional individual who would always follow an investigation through right until the end.
I think the great tragedy today is that we are remembering him as a police officer but first and foremost he was a very loving husband, a much loved father, a much loved son and a much loved brother. Our thoughts are very much today with the people that are left behind and in particular his two sons, Jack, who just three-years-old and Sam, who is 11 months.
Police Federation Fund
PC Bramma leaves behind his wife Kathryn and their two young sons, Jack, aged three and Sam who is 11 months old.
North Yorkshire Police Federation have set up a fund to help Jack and Sam as they grow up after receiving many offers of support from around the country.
Sgt Stubbs said:
Since the tragic death of PC Andrew Bramma on Saturday 5 January 2013, we have been inundated with offers of support from police officers and members of the public from around the country. Some have already sent money and many others are asking how they can help Andrew’s family.
In response, we are launching the North Yorkshire Police Federation Fund for Andrew’s two sons, Jack and Sam.
Jack is 3 years old, he has recently started in reception class at school which he is enjoying. He loves to create things with Playdoh and likes to play games with his friends, pretending to be a shopkeeper.
Jack is beginning to understand that his Daddy won’t be coming home.
Sam is just 11-months-old and loves to play with noisy toys. Andrew was very proud when he saw Sam take his first steps, just a few days before he died.
Sam is far too young to understand what has happened to his Daddy .
Kathryn is now facing the prospect of bringing up Jack and Sam without the emotional, practical or financial support that Andrew would have given her.
We cannot replace some of those things but we know she has a close family who will do all they can to support her.
Where we can help is to secure a more stable financial future for Andrew’s family.
The aim of this fund will be to enable Kathryn to give Jack and Sam at least the same opportunities that they would have had if Andrew had been there to provide for them throughout their childhood, into adolescence and beyond.
Details of how donations can be made are being published on the North Yorkshire Police website. We would encourage anyone who makes a donation to also leave a message in the Book of Condolence on the website.
Order of service
Welcome and opening prayer
All: Heavenly Father, in your Son Jesus Christ you have given us a true faith and a sure hope.
Strengthen this faith and hope in us all our days that we may live as those who believe in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Hymn – Abide with me
The collect
Gospel reading John 14:1.6
Tribute from Andrew’s colleague and friend from Greater Manchester Police
Tribute from Andrew’s father
Sermon
Lords prayer
Hymn – Jerusalem
Prayer of commendation
Conclusion
May God in his infinite love and mercy bring the whole Church, living and departed in the Lord Jesus, to a joyful resurrection and the fulfilment of his eternal kingdom. Amen.
Donations can be made by bank transfer to Unity Trust Bank Sort Code 08 60 01 Account Number 20303088 Account name ‘NYPF Jack and Sam Fund’, or by cheque payable to ‘NYPF Jack and Sam Fund’ and can be posted to North Yorkshire Police HQ, Newby Wiske, Northallerton, DL7 9HA or North Yorkshire Police Federation, The Police Station, Castlegate, Knaresborough, HG5 8AR.
