Tributes paid to 'larger than life' South Yorkshire Police officer

Roads policing officer Stephen Jackson, known to friends and colleagues as ‘Jacko’, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday (10 October) surrounded by his wife and children following a short battle with cancer.

He was 51.

Inspector Craig Clifton said: “Steve was an infectiously larger than life character who was an extremely passionate roads policing officer.

South Yorkshire to be placed in 'Tier 2' coronavirus restrictions, Mayor reveals

"He was known to his colleagues as ‘Mr Noisy’ as he wasn’t one for sitting in the corner quietly and made his presence known wherever he was.”

Steve joined South Yorkshire Police in 1997 and was based in Ecclesfield before transferring to the Roads Policing Group in 2005.

His last posting was in Team Four based at the force’s operations complex on Letsby Avenue.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Steve was a bubbly character, always full of life and a committed family man. His was a passionate roads policing officer, a role that he absolutely loved and was loved by so many friends, family and colleagues.”

These are the Sheffield areas with the fewest coronavirus cases

Inspector Clifton added: “I also liked to call him Mr Grumpy as he was very easily frustrated when he didn’t agree with things and his sulks earned him many laughs with his team.

“You will be sadly missed Jacko, rest in peace and try not to be too noisy up there please.”

Highways England traffic officer Russ Asquith tweeted: “An incredible man, one of a kind, true gent. We lost a good one ere [sic].

"Keep watching over the roads from above Jacko!”