Loved and respected Tributes paid to dedicated PCSO Andrea
APOLICE community support officer who spent almost two decades serving and protecting Cotswolds communities has died.
Gloucestershire Police colleagues have led tributes to “loved and respected” PCSO Andrea Shutt, who died on Wednesday, November 11.
She joined the force in September 2002 and became a police community support officer (PCSO) in February 2007, becoming a well-known face around the Cirencester area.
Chief Constable Rod Hansen said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our colleague Andrea Shutt.
“Over nearly two decades, Andrea became a well-known and highly respected member of the neighbourhood policing team serving Cirencester and its surrounding villages.
“Local people knew she was someone they could rely on to help them whenever they needed it.”
He said she provided an “exemplary service to the communities she served”.
The Chief Constable continued: “Andrea was also a hugely valued and very popular colleague and her experience and knowledge were invaluable to all members of her team, particularly new starters who learnt so much from her.
“Our deepest condolences are extended to Andrea’s family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.”
He said in recent years Andrea developed motor neurone disease, which is a life-threatening condition affecting the brain and nerves.
She has worked to raise awareness of the disease and fundraise for causes working to tackle it, even completing a daring aerobatic wing walk along with colleagues in 2018, raising more than £15,000.
The fundraising page for the wing walk said: “Andrea is a well-known PCSO in the Cotswolds, her boundless enthusiasm and high levels of motivation inspire her colleagues of all ranks to try and be as good as she is.”
Joe Harris, the leader of Cotswold District Council, said Andrea was a mum to five children as well as a PCSO.
He tweeted: “So very sad to hear about Andrea Shutt passing away.
“She was known to many in the area for different reasons including as a local PCSO, fundraiser for Motor Neurone Disease and most importantly as a mum.
“My thoughts are with Matt, Clayton, George, Eavie and Tillie at this extraordinarily difficult time but they can be proud know that their Mum had a positive impact on a great many people’s lives and made our corner of the world a better place to live.”
In 2018 Andrea was named PCSO of the year at the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Impact Awards, and also received a commendation from Chief Constable Hansen.
At the time, Gloucestershire Constabulary said in a Facebook post: “Everyone working in Cirencester knows Andrea to be dedicated, brave, helpful, kind, witty and compassionate.”
Earlier today, Cotswolds Police tweeted: “So sad that our colleague and friend PCSO Andrea Shutt passed away this week. Andrea was loved and respected by so many in the Cotswolds.
“Andrea was everything and so much more a good officer should be and we will miss her terribly. Our thoughts with her family and friends.”