Fallen Colleagues Remembered at Care of Police Survivors Service

4 August 2025

There was emotion as police officers who have died on duty were remembered by their family and friends at the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Annual Service of Remembrance.

Surviving family members and serving police officers gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday 3 August to pay their respects to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

More than 1,000 people attended the service in Staffordshire – where the rain thankfully held off.

Events took place all weekend for surviving family members.

Avon and Somerset’s Assistant Chief Constable Jon Cummins described COPS weekend as ‘the best of policing’.

He added: “I'm here today for one particular reason and that's for the three survivor families that we have here for Avon and Somerset.

“You will have seen here during the ceremony today we've got Fiona, who spoke on behalf of her brother [PC Peter Deans, who died in December 1984 aged 25 when his unmarked police car crashed during a pursuit].

“She spoke about the profound impact this had on her, that loss, but also the support that she's had from COPS over the last 10 years in particular. It's been incredibly emotional to hear her story, but also to hear of the support that she now has from COPS, and indeed all of the survivors.

“For me, COPS is fundamental in supporting colleagues, families and survivors as well. For me it's a charity which sits right of the heart of what we need to be doing, which is supporting our officers and staff, particularly when they lose loved ones and colleagues.

“This is very best of policing what we see today. We know it's quite difficult in policing right now, but just to see everybody come together, support each other and support the families is fantastic. It's a fantastic day to be part of.”

During the one-hour service on Sunday, survivors recalled their loss and how the charity had helped them in their time of need.

Two daughters of fallen police officers and a sister of a colleague who died on duty spoke with emotion and humour recalling their loved one.

The Roll of Honour for the police officers and who have died on duty during the past 12 months was read out.

Those remembered this year were Acting Sgt Reece Buckenham, of Hertfordshire Police; DC Karen Smith, of Humberside Police; PC Rosie Prior, of North Yorkshire Police; PC Michael Bruce, of the Metropolitan Police; and PC Ian Minett, of Gloucestershire Constabulary.

The Police Unity Tour arrived before the Service of Remembrance – more than 500 cyclists who had ridden from across the country to the Arboretum in memory of fallen officers.

The cyclists raise money for the COPS charity – and this year raised in excess of £230,000.

Also attending were the Blue Knights motorcyclists.