Inspector Gareth Earp honoured at this year’s National Police Memorial Day

25 September 2023

Representatives from Dyfed Powys Police Federation joined colleagues from across the UK in remembering officers who have died in the line of duty on National Police Memorial Day.

The families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers gathered with police chiefs, politicians and religious leaders for an emotional service at the New Theatre in Cardiff on Sunday.

This year’s event took on added poignancy following the death of Dyfed Powys Police officer Gareth Earp in June.  

The chair of Dyfed Powys Police Federation Gareth Jones was among those who attended the day.

 

Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Gareth Jones

 

He said: “The National Police Memorial Day is always a significant day for policing. This year’s service was even more important for us, as we paid our respects to Gareth, showing love and support for his family.

“It was a special day to be able to welcome the UK policing family to Wales in honour of our fallen colleagues who will never be forgotten.”

The service was also attended by Deputy Chief Constable Steve Cockwell, who took part in the Act of Dedication during the service.

Reverend Liam Bradley, the Force’s lead chaplain, gave the main address.

The National Police Memorial Day’s director of music John Morgan, a retired Dyfed Powys Police officer, conducted the orchestra for the final time.

 

Privilege

He said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to have served as director of music for National Police Memorial Day for the last 18 years.

“I’m very grateful to all the participants from all over the UK over the years that helped make this event a very moving and appropriate commemoration for the police family.”

Wales’s First Minister Mark Drakeford, the Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Yvette Cooper, the Shadow Home Secretary, each gave a reading.

The Act of Remembrance saw candles, one from each of the four nations in the UK, were lit to remind people of the ‘undying flame of devotion and commitment, exemplified by those whom we remember today’.

Representing Wales was Dorothy Ellis, the mother of Gwent Police Constable Adrian Ellis, 29, who died in 1989 in a road traffic collision.

England was represented by Sid Mackay, father of Metropolitan Police Constable Nina Mackay, 25, who died in 1997 after being stabbed by a wanted man.

 

Four nations

Representing Scotland was David Taylor, the son of Strathclyde Police Constable George Taylor, 27, who died in 1976 when he was attacked with an axe.

And representing Northern Ireland were Mervyn and Dorothy Reynolds, parents of Constable Philippa Reynolds, 27, who died in 2013 following a road traffic collision. 

Nicky Ryan, Welsh lead for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) read out the names of the officers who have lost their lives during the past year.

This year’s Roll of Honour included:

• Police Community Support Officer Daniel William Gower, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
• Sergeant Steven Creal, Sussex Police
• PC Richard James Joseph Kemp, Lancashire Constabulary
• PC Bruce Lister, Hertfordshire Constabulary
• PC Neil Pattinson, Northumbria Police
• PC Andrew Boardman, West Mercia Police
• Inspector Gareth Earp, Dyfed Powys Police
• Sergeant Graham Saville, Nottinghamshire Police
• Sergeant Paul Frear, West Midlands Police.

“We give thanks to God for their courage and their dedication,” said Nicky, as the petals of remembrance fell, representing those who have lost their lives.

This was followed by audience members standing in silence, as the orchestra played ‘Abide with Me’ and the Last Post sounded.

The service finished with the national anthems of Wales and the UK.

The National Police Memorial Day will take place in Glasgow next year.