Tributes for award winning and dedicated police officer who rose through ranks to become detective inspector with Burnley CID

Dave Groombridge died at the home he shared in Newchurch in Pendle with Rachael, his wife of 31 years, and their daughter Agatha who is 22.

Dave joined Sussex Police in 1981, following in the footsteps of his father, Brian and his older brother, Michael.

In 1989 David and Rachael, a fellow police officer, ‘emigrated' to Lancashire.

He made an impact on his very first day at Burnley Police Station, when a call to an incident resulted in a bite on the leg from a stray dog and an introduction to the nursing staff at Burnley A&E!

Notwithstanding that first introduction to the local area, Dave proceeded to rise through the ranks from police constable, to detective sergeant and then detective inspector in CID until his retirement.

After moving to Burnley CID as a detective constable, Dave made substantial contributions, together with others from his team, in the investigation of crime and the apprehension of offenders.

As time went on he took and passed his promotion exams and undertook acting detective sergeant's duties.

Indeed, his very first role as night time DS saw him faced with the first wave of the Burnley Riots in 2001.

As a detective sergeant, Dave continued investigating crime but now with additional supervisory responsibilities.

He appeared regularly on local and national TV or radio and made an appearance on BBC Crimewatch, when a serious offender had been located and arrested in Europe.

Aswell as fulfilling his policing duties he was instrumental in setting up the Pendle Street Pastors, a devoted group of volunteers who braved the night time streets to offer solace and safety to those in need over several years.

A modest man, very few people were aware that during his career Dave was awarded with several commendations and records of achievement including: Sussex Police Divisional Commendation for bravery in rescuing a woman from the sea following a suicide attempt and Lancashire Constabulary Chief Constable’s Commendation for Bravery for rescuing a male attempting suicide by throwing himself off a motorway bridge

He was also awarded the Chief Constable’s Commendation for Outstanding Contribution to Ambition by securing convictions for a gang, promoting community reassurance and confidence in the police.

Dave also received the Divisional Commander’s Commendation for Dedication to Duty in the investigation following the death of a child, for Outstanding Commitment to Hate Crime and Custody Performance in divisional policing.

He also received the Divisional Commander’s Commendation for the Apprehension and Successful Conviction of a violent offender and was runner-up in the National Diversity in Action Awards

After his retirement, Dave served for a time as duty manager at Crow Wood until he was once more drawn back to work for Lancashire Constabulary.

This opportunity allowed Dave to work in a civilian capacity, leading a team of similarly retired officers in investigating a variety of cases that enjoyed an outstanding success rate. This team brought and continue to bring, convictions for those that deserved it and justice for those who thought that such an outcome was beyond reach or time.

Dave was known for his dynamic yet pragmatic approach to his work.

Paying tribute to her husband Rachael said: "Dave always sought to do ‘what was right’ and had a great sense of what was ‘just’ and ‘fair’ and he’d tell you so too; a legacy that he has passed onto our daughter.

"His sense of humour, catch phrases and slightly out of tune whistling, were the hallmarks of his sheer presence.

"When Dave was in the building, everybody knew he was around. He loved spending time with his family and socialising with friends and colleagues. But he also enjoyed the solitude of the hill walking, especially in the Lake District."

When he wasn’t enjoying a leisurely walk on the hills and moors, Dave enjoyed an annual skiing trip with his friends, otherwise known as the ‘Ski Buds' and he formed lifetime friendships with colleagues from Denmark.

Dave’s other passion was scuba diving and he became an accomplished diver and gained Dive Master certification.

One of Dave’s favourite dive spots was the Red Sea, especially when the opportunity to explore sunken warships was on the itinerary.

It wasn’t just underwater history that interested Dave, he loved the beauty and variety of life that lived below the surface. A further trip to the Maldives focused on diving with sharks and Dave passed on his passion for diving to Agatha.

In homage to Dave's fascination with sharks and the world's oceans and the challenges they face today Rachael and Agatha chose the Marine Conservation Society if people wanted to make a donation in Dave's memory.

Rachael said: "David was a brave, kind, funny and generous man.

"People often describe the deceased in that cliched way, but in Dave’s case, it’s so true.

"His sudden passing in such a cruel and unfair way leaves a void in the lives of not just his immediate family, but his ‘other’ families too."

Rachael said the numerous messages of sympathy, love and support they had received since Dave's death had been a blessing.

Paying tribute on behalf of Lancashire Constabulary, Det Chief Supt Neil Ashton, who is Head of Crime, said: “Dave was one of the most enthusiastic, motivated and committed investigators.

"He was passionate in his support of victims and did everything he could to ensure offenders were brought to justice.

"Dave was very well known and respected across the force, but within East division in particular.

"He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends and all those who knew and loved him.”

Dave's funeral was held last week and the cortege passed Burnley Police Station to allow colleagues, past and present, to pay their respects.