Sergeant Killed In Manx Grand Prix

Fri, 03 September 2010 Courtesy of: Police Oracle

Friends and colleagues of a "popular and much-respected officer" have been remembering his life and achievements following his tragic death in a motorcycle race.

Sgt Chris Bradshaw (39) died after he was involved in a collision with competitor Jamie Adam – a member of the Royal Navy – on the second lap of the Junior Manx Grand Prix. The 28-year-old Serviceman was also killed in the accident.

An experienced rider who had nearly two decades of service with both the West Midlands and Leicestershire Forces, Sgt Bradshaw had been a Traffic Sergeant based within the Operations Department at Chelmsley Wood.

“Chris will be sadly missed by officers and staff across the West Midlands and Leicestershire Forces”

Among the most qualified of police motorcyclists, he had been racing on the Isle of Man since 2003 as well as instructing a new generation of riders through the Institute of Advanced Motoring and on the Bikesafe initiative.

Following a career with the RAF Regiment, during which he completed two tours of Northern Ireland, Sgt Bradshaw joined the police in 1992 and served at stations in Birmingham before moving to join Sutton Coldfield Traffic.

He was promoted to sergeant on moving to Leicestershire Police four years ago but returned to West Midlands in February and joined the Traffic Department.

One of his senior officers, Supt Rick Burgess, remembered Sgt Bradshaw as a "committed and highly skilled officer who was passionate in his role as a Traffic Officer".

He added: "Chris will be sadly missed by officers and staff across the West Midlands and Leicestershire Forces and by the many friends he met motorcycling. We are offering his family every support at the time of their tragic loss."

A statement from Sgt Bradshaw's family said: "Chris was a much-loved son, partner, brother and uncle who will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

"Chris died pursuing the hobby he loved – motorcycle racing – and was committed to enjoying his passion and sharing it with others," the statement concluded.