Police held a one-minute silence to commemorate Fareham-based PC Steve Rawson who died in a road crash in Southampton yesterday (April 3).
PC Rawson, 40, died while on duty and riding an unmarked police motorcycle on Thomas Lewis Way in Swaythling when he was in collision with a silver BMW outside the Shell petrol station shortly after 2pm.
Police officers at Hampshire Constabulary Headquarters in Winchester lowered their flag to half mast and held a one-minute silence at 11am as a mark of respect.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh, said: “PC Rawson was a totally dedicated officer and larger than life character who always made a positive contribution to his team and to the force.
“His death is a massive blow to the constabulary and his loss will be felt throughout the organisation.
“We are supporting his wife and family and our thoughts are with them at this devastating time. He will be missed by all who knew him.
“The response from the public has been overwhelming. We have had messages of condolence from across the country and from other organisations and we thank everybody for their support.”
After the incident PC Rawson was taken to Southampton General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene.
The driver of the BMW, a 35-year-old man sustained serious, but not life-threatening, injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.
PC Rawson, who was serving with Hampshire Major Investigation Team at the time of his death, joined the force as a police staff controller in March 1996 and worked at the Force Control Room in Netley until 2003.
After joining the police as a constable in 2003 he served at Hedge End for four years, undertaking several different roles as a uniform officer.
He then transferred to join the HMIT in April 2007, where he was a valued member of the team contributing to multiple successful investigations.
Detective Superintendent Dick Pearson, head of HMIT, said: “PC Rawson was an integral member of the Hampshire Major Investigation Team. He was a well respected, larger than life character who was dedicated to his job. He will be deeply missed by his all who knew him.”