New police memorial to be unveiled tomorrow

27 July 2021

A memorial honouring the courage and sacrifice of Britain’s fallen police officers will be unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum tomorrow (Wednesday 27 July).

Guests including civic dignitaries, senior politicians, representatives from all police force across the country, policing charities and the families and friends of officers killed on duty will attend the event at the site in Alrewas, Staffordshire.

Derbyshire Police Federation chair Tony Wetton said: “This memorial will provide a lasting tribute to fallen officers but also serves as a reminder that our members put themselves at risk every day as they serve and protect their communities.”

The UK Police Memorial chair of trustees, Sir Hugh Orde, said: “After seven years of fund-raising and 12 months of construction, we can finally dedicate this beautiful and iconic memorial that pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all those police officers and staff who have paid the ultimate price.

“The 12-metre-tall brass memorial,  with its leaf-shaped apertures representing courage, sacrifice and lives lost, is set within a beautifully landscaped area, and has been designed for ceremony, tribute and personal acts of reflection.

“As a nation, we owe all those who have laid down their lives to keep us safe and protect us from harm a huge debt of gratitude. This memorial will ensure that the memory of those officers and staff who have died lives on in perpetuity.”

He added: “This is a place that will not only honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women from our police service, but it will become a fitting tribute to honour all those who continue to serve.”

Members of the public can watch the ceremony live online through the memorial website www.ukpolicememorial.org.