Tributes to fearless detective Mark, 49

Tributes have been paid to a fearless policeman and loving family man who has died of a heart attack aged 49.

Dc Mark Simmons worked for West Midlands Police for 25 years, earning a long-service award for his dedication as well as a string of commendations. He had worked all over the region for the force, including in Tipton and Walsall.

His brother described the respected detective as having a fabulous sense of humour and enjoying a prolific police career. DC Simmons' most recent post was in the economic crime unit in Birmingham, working as a major fraud investigator.

Pc Paul Simmons, also from West Midlands Police, said his brother, of Tettenhall Wood, was extremely popular among his colleagues.

"He was brave, fearless and loved his job," Pc Simmons, aged 42, added.

"He fully intended to see out his career with the force and he was very proud of what he did. A lot of his work was covert and he had a long and varied career, with too many highlights to mention. It's all very sudden and a big shock to all of us."

Away from the force, DC Simmons was a keen hillwalker and mountaineer and had a big passion for comedy and music.

His brother said: "Mark had a fabulous sense of humour and was always laughing and joking.

"He was a big family man who just got on with life and tried to make everyone else around him happy."

DC Simmons, who had no children, had been married to wife Sue, 48, for 21 years.

DCI Darren Miles said the officer was one of the most experienced fraud investigators within the department.

"He will be a tremendous loss to friends and colleagues on the unit and the service as a whole," he said.

DC?Simmons' funeral will be held at Bushbury Crematorium on Tuesday at 3pm.

By Tim Spiers