We're all going to miss our friend Gerry

9:12am Thursday 22nd May 2008

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FRIENDS and colleagues have paid tribute to the memory of well-known Worcester police officer who served the city for more than 30 years.

Gerald Bradley - known as Gerry - died, aged 62, at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, following a short illness. Former colleague, Stuart Duddell served alongside him as both a police constable and a detective constable and said Mr Bradley would be "dreadfully missed".

He added: "He was the last officer to join Worcester City Police force and serve all of his time within the city's boundaries."

Mr Bradley, who grew up in St John's, was an avid rugby fan, having played for West Mercia Constabulary and Worcester Warriors Rugby Club when the team was based at Bevere 20 years ago.

He also played for Worcester City Cricket Club as well as for the force.

His passion for rugby continued in later life. He followed England and Worcester Warriors both at Sixways and on the continent for European fixtures.

Mr Duddell said: "The news of Gerry's death was met with sadness by all those who knew him and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Mr Bradley attended Comer Gardens Primary School and Christopher Whitehead Secondary School before leaving at 16 to begin an apprenticeship in engineering at Metal Box in Worcester.

However, in 1966 at the age of 21, he joined what was then Worcester City Police as a constable.

He could have taken promotion outside the city but chose to stay and serve Worcester, rising to detective constable in the early 1970s and serving with Worcester CID until retirement in 1999.

Superintendant Nick Mason, responsible for operations in south Worcester-shire, said Mr Bradley, with whom he served as a young constable, "clearly cared about policing".

He leaves two daughters Alexandra, 21, and Victoria, 17; parents Joe and Betty Bradley, of St John's; brother Paul Bradley, of London, and sister Susie Coates, of Malvern, as well as his partner Lizzie Jubb with whom he lived in north Worcester.

Mr Bradley's funeral will take place at St John-in-Bedwardine church on Tuesday, May 27, at noon.

It will be family flowers only and it is requested that any donations be made to Acorns Children's Hospice.

• Leave your tributes to Mr Bradley below.