Prince of Wales attends memorial day service

30 September 2019

HRH The Prince of Wales paid tribute to fallen police officers at yesterday’s National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.

As patron of the NPMD, he joined the congregation to honour officers who have been killed, or died, in the line of duty.

In the commemorative brochure, HRH The Prince of Wales said: “Policing in the United Kingdom has enormous pressures to contend with, no more so than on the front-line.  As society changes, so must the way in which we support and protect our communities. Your job is one of the toughest there is, and all too often your efforts go unrecognised.

“I am proud to be with you today, and I particularly want you to know how very much I appreciate all that you do, and the sacrifices you make. You and your families have a very special place in the heart of this nation.”

Chair Tony Wetton represented Derbyshire Police Federation at the service and took as the Federation’s guest Angela Morgan, the fiancée of Derbyshire DC Gary Freeman who died along with DC Anthony Thornley when their vehicle was in collision with a lorry on 19 August 1994.

“The service was, as ever, very moving and I felt proud to honour the memory of those police officers who never returned home at the end of their shift. I hope that the service fully demonstrated to the families of our fallen colleagues that their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” says Tony.

"Angela and I were privileged to spend some time with Debbie and Phil Adlam, the mum and step-dad of Thames Valley PC Andrew Harper who was killed on duty just six weeks ago.  Although obviously devastated by their loss, they were very brave to come along to the service to see Andrew's memory honoured.  I hope it was some comfort to them to see and feel the support of the whole police family at this darkest of times for them."

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and more than 40 chief constables were among a congregation of around 1,500 people including officers of all ranks and fallen officers’ families.

Home Secretary Priti Patel gave a reading and said: “Today is a day to remember the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices of police officers who have died serving their country.

“It serves to remind us of the extraordinary courage officers show to keep running to the front-line, day in day out. I am going to give the police and their families the protection and the support they deserve.”

Prayers were led by Marilyn Bromilow, the sister-in-law of PC John Edward Bromilow who was fatally injured in 1979 in a patrol car crash while escorting a prisoner; Chief Inspector Gill Marshall of Police Scotland, widow of PC Alan McMurray who died in 2006 when he was struck by a van at the scene of an accident, and Stephen White, chair of the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Foundation.

Candles were lit by relatives of fallen officers and in remembrance of officers throughout the country who have lost their lives. 

Representing Scotland, Margaret Sinclair, supported by her daughter, Patricia Sinclair, wife and daughter of PC Leslie Sinclair who died in 1972 from injuries suffered in a road traffic collision while on duty.

Representing England, Rumbie Mabuto, widow of PC Joe Mabuto who died after suffering a heart attack while on duty, was supported by their children, Kenny and Sophia.

Representing Wales, William Parker, son of PC Andy Parker who was killed in a motorbike crash when travelling home after a night shift.

Representing Northern Ireland, Margo Hetherington, daughter of Reserve Constable Jacob Rankin, Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross, who was fatally shot in 1978 by terrorists while on duty.

Chief Inspector Andrea MacDonald, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, read the names of officers who have lost their lives during the past year:

PC Joseph Robert Cooke, Metropolitan Police.

PC Daniel Clayton-Drabble, Thames Valley Police.

PC Kevin Flint, Thames Valley Police.

PS Colin Michael Fox, Metropolitan Police.

PC Andrew Harper, Thames Valley Police, and

PC Roy Buggins, Police Scotland. 

The service also paid tribute to US Special Agent Nole Remagen who died while on duty in Scotland.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the orchestra played ‘Abide With Me’ and the Last Post was sounded.

Canon David Wilbraham, National Police Chaplain and co-ordinator of National Police Memorial Day, said after the service: “I extend my gratitude to everyone who attended today’s service and for their ongoing support.  It is always a day filled with emotion but also with immense pride.  It is only right that we stop to remember the sacrifices made by those who protect us.  I know it meant a lot to the families and friends of our fallen colleagues to have our patron, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, with us today in Glasgow.”