Policeman dies with coronavirus
Touching tributes have been paid to a Police Community Support Officer, who spent much of his career in Sunderland, has died after testing positive for Covid-19.
Graham Wesley Dinning, who was known to his colleagues and friends as Wez, tested positive for coronavirus on October 14 and had been self-isolating at home.
However, his condition worsened and he tragically passed away yesterday.The 48-year-old dad leaves behind wife Laura, who also works for Northumbria Police, and their son Adam.
Paying tribute, Laura said: “We are absolutely devastated beyond words.
“Wez was a caring and loving husband and father – and an incredible friend who will be greatly missed by so many.
“He really loved working for Northumbria Police and was proud to be a PCSO.
“I would ask everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, that they remember him with humour because I know that’s what he would want.”
Graham also leaves behind his dad Chris and sister Carol.
The dad began his career with Northumbria Police more than 28 years ago, on April 13 1992, as a general office assistant in Farringdon.
He worked in various roles within Business Support across Southern Area Command including Farringdon, Washington and in Sunderland.
Graham went on to secure a role as a PCSO, working in Central Area Command between September 2017 and April 2019. He then made the move back to Southern Area Command, and was most recently involved in a project working with partner organisations in Southwick.
Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenen has led the tributes from the Force.
He said: “The thoughts of everyone at Northumbria Police are with Laura and Adam, and Graham’s wider family and friends at this extremely difficult time. They have our deepest sympathies and our full support.
“Many of those friends include colleagues, and the impact of this tragic loss will be felt across the whole police family.
“Graham was a dedicated and well-respected member of Northumbria Police. He was a real character and was an extremely popular and likeable colleague who was committed to making a real difference to the communities he served.”