Fallen Officers Honoured At National Police Memorial Day

25 September 2023

Officers go to work every day and say goodbye to their families, not knowing what they may face on their shift. Some of them never return home.

These officers were remembered at the annual National Police Memorial Day in Cardiff on Sunday (24 September).

Ian White, Chair of Gloucestershire Police Federation, travelled to the event to meet the families and remember those officers that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Speaking after the ceremony, Ian said: “This is one of the most special days on the policing calendar for me. It’s so important that we all take time out of our busy calendars to stop, reflect and remember those officers that have given their lives on duty.

“Sadly, we have officers that we remember every year, and there are new names added to the list. It is a significant day. We are all very busy but we must always take time to reflect. It is important for the families that are here, so they know that their loved ones will never be forgotten and that they’re always part of the wider police family.”

The names of those officers who had died in the past year were read out. They are PCSO Daniel Gower, of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary; Sgt Steven Creal, of Sussex Police; PC Richard Kemp, of Lancashire Constabulary; PC Bruce Lister, of Hertfordshire Constabulary; PC Neil Pattinson, of Northumbria Police; PC Andrew Boardman, of West Mercia Police; Insp Gareth Earp, of Dyfed-Powys Police; and Sgt Graham Saville, of Nottinghamshire Police.

During the service, candles were lit for officers in each of the four nations. Representing Wales was Dorothy Ellis, mother of PC Adrian Ellis, of Gwent Police, who died aged 29 on 27 September 1989 as a result of a road traffic collision.

Representing Scotland was David Taylor, son of PC George Taylor, of Strathclyde Police, who died aged 27 on 30 November 1976 after being attacked with an axe.

Representing England was Sid Mackay, father of PC Nina Alexandra Mackay, of the Metropolitan Police, who died aged 25 on 24 October 1997 having been stabbed by a wanted man. She was posthumously awarded the Commissioner’s High Commendation for Bravery.

Representing Northern Ireland were Mervyn and Dorothy Reynolds, parents of Constable Philippa Reynolds, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who died aged 27 on 9 February 2013 after the police vehicle in which she was a passenger was struck by a stolen vehicle.

The service also heard a reading First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.