Fallen colleagues remembered at National Police Memorial Day

26 September 2022

National Police Memorial Day is one of the most important dates in the policing calendar, according to Cleveland Police Federation.

Secretary Richie Murray was speaking ahead of this year’s service in Belfast on 25 September, at which members of the police family gathered from across the country to pay their respects to fallen colleagues.

Richie said: “It’s a poignant day and one of the most important ones in the policing calendar. It is massively important for officers to be remembered in these circumstances, tragically, and events like this one enables colleagues from around the country to turn up and share their respects to those fallen officers and families.”

Richie has attended the ceremony every year for the past 12 of his service, and has been part of the guard of honour.

He added: “It’s an amazing service, and I’m proud to attend this every year.”

The names of officers who lost their lives over the past year were read out at the event by Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation of Northern Ireland. They are: PC Daniel Golding, of the Met; PC Craig Higgins, of Greater Manchester Police; PC Alex Prentice, of Northamptonshire Police, and PC Darryl Street, of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who gave a reading during the service, said: “To all the officers who lost their lives while working to keep us safe, we thank you and we honour you.

“Their bravery and commitment to their duty was unfaltering – society owes them and their loved ones a debt we cannot repay, but it is one we will not forget.

“As Home Secretary I make a promise to give police the powers and tools they need to do their jobs safely.”

During the service, candles were lit by relatives in remembrance of officers throughout the country who have lost their lives – one from each of the four nations of the UK.

Representing Northern Ireland was Stephen Wylie-Young, son of Constable William Raymond Wylie QPM. Stephen was just six months old when his father was murdered.

Representing Wales was Sgt Lowri Davies, daughter of PC Terence John Davies, of Gwent Police.

Representing Scotland was George Barnsley, friend and colleague of DS William Ross Hunt, of Strathclyde Police.

And representing England was Kathryn Dumphreys, widow of PC Nick Dumphreys, of Cumbria Police.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.