Police officer, 56, dies after loft fall (From York Press)

Police officer Keith Pattison dies after loft fall

10:38am Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in News By Jennifer Bell, jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk

A POLICEMAN and married father of two from York has died after falling from the loft in his home.

PC Keith Pattison, 56, had appeared to be making a good recovery from the fall, which left him with head injuries, but died after a sudden turn for the worse.

PC Pattison was described by colleagues as a “true gentleman” and a popular officer.

Mike Stubbs, deputy secretary of the North Yorkshire Police Federation and a close friend, said PC Pattison had been in the loft of his York home in early December when he fell to the floor below.

He wore a brace in the weeks following the accident and appeared to be on the mend, but died in hospital on January 11 after his condition suddenly worsened.

Sgt Stubbs said: “I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Keith for many years during his time as a response officer for Selby and Tadcaster.

“Keith was a true gentleman, with a warm and caring nature and a gentle sense of humour, which endeared to him to his many colleagues, most recently in the control room in York where he worked at the safer neighbourhood help desk.

“He will be sadly missed. Keith leaves a wife and two grown-up children. We are working with North Yorkshire Police to support them at this difficult time.”

PC Pattison, also a grandfather, worked in Selby, Tadcaster and Scarborough before working at York.

His death came just days after that of PC Andrew Bramma, who died on duty when his patrol van crashed on his way to a 999 call.

Sgt Stubbs said: “A tragic week for North Yorkshire Police was made even worse with the news that we had also lost PC Keith Pattison.”

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “PC Keith Pattison joined North Yorkshire Police in 1990. He spent the majority of his service working in the Selby district as a uniformed constable supporting the communities of Tadcaster and Selby.

“More recently Keith joined the help desk as part of the force control room. As a result, the reach of his support to the community stretched across the whole of North Yorkshire and city of York.

“Keith’s untimely passing on Friday, January 11, has denied our communities of a dedicated officer and us, in the organisation, a valued colleague and friend.”

Dozens of friends and colleagues have posted messages of condolence on North Yorkshire Police Federation’s Facebook page.

A celebration of PC Pattison’s life will take place on Wednesday, February 6, at York Crematorium from 12.20pm. No flowers by request but donations can be made in lieu at the service.