28 September 2020

So Important To Pay Tribute To Our Brave Fallen Colleagues

THE 17th National Police Memorial Day Service remembering thousands of police officers who have died on duty was as emotional and moving as ever this year, despite being held virtually.

The online service – which featured police and religious leaders, politicians and families of fallen officers – was made even more poignant following the murder of Metropolitan Police officer Sgt Matt Ratana just two days before.

Prince Charles, who is patron of NPMD, paid tribute to UK police officers, saying they had “earned the admiration of the world” and would always have a "special place in the heart" of our grateful nation.

He said: “The dreadful incident in Croydon is an example of the dangers our police officers face daily. We owe our remarkable police officers the most profound debt of gratitude.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “When I think of our officers I think of the extraordinary courage they show every day. The officers we remember today represent the very best of us. They laid down their lives to prevent us from coming to harm. We own them a huge debt.”

Anna Harvey, Chair of Dorset Police Federation, said: “As I watched the virtual NPMD from home and saw the messages from the family members who had lost loved ones I was moved to hear how this event had given them comfort and support, ensuring that their loved ones were not forgotten.

“It made me realise – if I didn’t already know – how vital this ceremony is and how important it is that we come to pay our respects to the brave officers who have lost their lives whilst protecting others.

“The horrific event in Croydon last Friday is a stark reminder to us all of the risks officers take every day, but the impact on their families lasts forever.”

The service also received contributions from the Home Secretary, who gave a tribute and a reading, and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The British Police Symphony Orchestra played ‘I vow to thee my country’, with more than 60 musicians who had proudly recorded their contributions while in isolation from homes across the UK.

More than 4,000 police officers who have died on duty were remembered.

Officers who have died on duty over the past year had their names read out. They are Sgt Matt Ratana and PC Chris Miller, of the Metropolitan Police; SC Resham Singh Nahal, of West Midlands Police; PC Matt Lannie, of South Yorkshire Police; PC Nick Dumphreys, of Cumbria Police; DC Jon Hicken, of Dorset Police; and PC Roy Buggins, of Police Scotland.

If you missed it, you can see the service again here: https://www.polfed.org/news-media/latest-news/2020/fallen-officers-honoured-at-national-police-memorial-day/