Branch chair and secretary share reflections of 23rd National Police Memorial Day
29 September 2026
Late neighbouring officers PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades were among those commemorated at the 2026 National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) as thousands of guests came together to remember those in the profession who have died in the line of duty.
The 23rd edition of NPMD was held at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Sunday 27 September, with senior police leaders, religious leaders, politicians and the families of fallen officers all present in the Northern Irish capital.
Representing Durham Constabulary at the event was Federation chair Louise Guest and branch secretary Phil Stephenson, alongside Assistant Chief Constable Jon McAdam.
Before the commemorations got underway, Louise highlighted the significance of NPMD as a fitting tribute to those who have lost their lives while performing their policing duties.
(left to right) ACC Jon McAdam, branch secretary Phil Stephenson, branch
chair Louise Guest, Inspector Dave Turner and PC Rob Boston at the NPMD in Belfast
“I think today means more than anything, especially at the moment given what’s happened recently with our colleagues in Cleveland, Matthew and Tom. It just reiterates to me the importance of remembering our lost and fallen officers, and it’s always a very special day for us in Durham to support that,” said the branch chair.
“The visible presence here shows that the whole of the country unites in support of the police family at such tragic times.
“The deaths of these people we remember are our profession’s darkest moments, and it is never an easy thing to accept or cope with, so to have such strength in numbers is hugely important, because it reminds us all that no one is alone in their grief.”
Appreciated
Echoing these sentiments was Phil, who added: “I think the massive crowd here today shows that the job the police do is massively appreciated by the public – and I think we can forget that with all the bad press which is out there at times, but today is proof of it.
“Over the last few weeks, we have seen an outpouring of support for our colleagues in Cleveland, and now we have been reminded by National Police Memorial Day how much appreciation truly is out there for policing. It’s the same with this event every year, which is why it remains such an important date on our calendars.”
This year’s NPMD service was poignantly observed, with eight officers who had died on duty during the previous 12 months remembered during the commemorations.
They were:
- Police Constable Matthew Blades, Cleveland Police, aged 37
- Police Constable Tom Clough, Cleveland Police, aged 38
- Police Constable Alice Slominska, Bedfordshire Police, aged 19
- Police Constable Jess Turnbull, Northumbria Police, aged 19
- Police Constable Mark Chester, Ministry of Defence Police, aged 35
- Police Constable Mathew Parker, Essex Police, aged 43
- Police Constable Bradley Corke, Kent Police, aged 27
-
Police Constable Faizaan Najeeb, Northamptonshire Police, aged 24
The event was opened with a processional march featuring flag bearers from forces across England and Wales, followed by music from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
National Police Chaplain the Reverend Matt Hopley opened the service before Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ, Lord-Lieutenant of Belfast, welcomed the congregation.
The next part of the service saw touching readings delivered by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Lady Ruth Hamilton, Patron of the RUC GC Widows’ Association.
Music was provided by the Police Service of Northern Ireland Male Voice Choir and Police Service of Northern Ireland Ladies Choir.
Police hats representing England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were carried to the front of the hall and laid beside candles, before relatives representing each nation lit a candle.
The Northern Ireland candle was lit by Jackie Gorman, mother of Police Constable Kevin Declan Gorman, who died aged 24 on 23 November 2008 alongside three colleagues while responding to a call for assistance.
The Welsh candle was lit by Dorothy Ellis, mother of Gwent Police Constable Adrian Bryn Ellis, who died aged 29 on 27 September 1989 after being killed in a motorcycle accident while travelling to report for duty.
The Scottish candle was lit by Christine Fulton MBE, wife of Police Constable Lewis George Fulton, who died aged 28 on 17 June 1994 after being stabbed during a violent struggle while protecting members of the public.
The English candle was lit by Chris Prior, husband of Police Constable Rosie Prior, who died aged 45 on 11 January 2025 after being struck by a lorry while assisting at the scene of a collision.
The congregation stood for The Last Post as petals fell in remembrance of lives lost.
The lights were then dimmed, with members of the congregation holding flameless candles as a spotlight illuminated the Book of Remembrance, which contains the names of all officers who have died on duty. A lone piper was also illuminated as part of the ceremony.
Eight red flameless candles were placed on the altar table in tribute to the officers who had died during the previous 12 months.
The service concluded with the Act of Commitment, led by Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher QPM, followed by the Benediction and National Anthem.
The next National Police Memorial Day will be held in Wales on Sunday 26 September 2027, with the venue to be confirmed.
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