Tribute to Popular Rugby PC

The Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police, John Burbeck, has sadly announced the death of a very popular and well respected serving police officer.

PC Alexander (Sandy) Low died on Friday morning (27/08/04) following a short illness. He leaves a wife, Julie.

PC Low, who was 40 years old, had served with Warwickshire Police since 1988.

John Burbeck said: “On behalf of the force, I would like to send my condolences to Sandy’s family, his friends, work colleagues and all those in the community who knew him.”

Speaking about PC Low’s death, Rugby District Commander, Chief Inspector Mak Chishty said: “Sandy Low was a very well liked member of Rugby Police Station who worked hard and served the community well. He was particularly well respected in Eastlands, where he was the CBO for a number of years. Sandy was a genuinely nice person, always active and funny - things won't be the same without him. Our thoughts at this time are with his family, in particular his wife Julie.”

Chief Superintendent Steve Burrows, Northern Area Commander said: "Sandy was a very well respected and popular officer. He will be deeply missed by his friends and colleagues, especially in Rugby where he worked for many years."

PC Low was born in Rugby and educated at Rugby School. He joined the Metropolitan Police Service in 1982, serving in Stoke Newington. After five years with the Met, he transferred back to his home town, joining Warwickshire Police in 1988.

After periods as a reactive officer and working on the Crime Desk, PC Low found his niche as a Community Beat Officer, and was well known for his commitment to community policing. He insisted on walking everywhere to make sure that he was visible and accessible to local people. Until April this year, PC Low was CBO for Eastlands beat and was well known in the local area. In his latest career development, he had recently been successful in applying to join the Ports Policing Unit based at Coventry Airport, but was unable to take up his new post due to his illness.

PC Low was the Police Federation representative for constables serving at Rugby, a role he took very seriously, and colleagues have expressed their gratitude for his support.

Outside of his official duties, Sandy was an keen sportsman, playing amongst other sports both hockey and golf. A leading light of the Golfing Section of the Warwickshire Police Sports and Social Club, he was known as one of the best players in the force, famous for his long drives. He had been force champion on a number of occasions, and will be sorely missed by his colleagues in the Golfing Section.

The Union flag was flown at half mast at Police Headquarters and Rugby on Friday (27/8) as a mark of respect.

The funeral will be held at 1.45pm on Monday 6 September 2004 at the Rugby School Chapel, Barby Road, Rugby followed by a private cremation. Family flowers only, donations instead should be made to the Police Rehabilitation Centre. Donations can be sent via the Co-op Funeral Service, Bilton Road, Rugby.