Fallen officers honoured at National Police Memorial Day

25 September 2023

The chair of Gwent Police Federation joined colleagues from across the UK to remember fallen officers who have died in the line of duty at this year’s National Police Memorial Day (NPMD).

Matthew Candy, along with Gwent’s deputy chief constable Rachel Williams, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with families, friends and colleagues yesterday, as well as police chiefs, politicians and religious leaders for yesterday’s service (Sunday 24 September), which took place at the New Theatre in Cardiff on Sunday. The event was the 20^th of its kind.

Joining Matthew was Dorothy Ellis, the mother of Gwent Police Constable Adrian Ellis, 29, who died in 1989 following a road traffic collision. Representing Wales during this year’s Act of Remembrance at the event, Dorothy lit a candle in honour of fallen officers.

The family of Gwent Police Officer Terry Davies, 34, who died in 1990 after being hit by a stolen car, also attended - including Terry’s daughter, Lowri Davies, who is now a sergeant in the same force her father served.

Gwent chair Matthew Candy, the family of Terry Davies and
Gwent deputy chief constable, Rachel Williams.

Matthew said: “The National Police Memorial Day never loses its significance, and this year, it was particularly special to welcome our colleagues to Wales for the service.

“The event gives us all a chance to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s so important that the police service takes this time to remember our colleagues, so we can show families - just like the loved ones PC Ellis and PC Davies - that their names will never be forgotten.”

National police chaplain and NPMD co-ordinator, the Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE welcomed those attending.

He said: “Grief is a universal experience that affects all our lives and today we gather to support each other and pay tribute to those lost in service.”

Wales’ 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’.

Alongside Wales’ representative Dorothy, was England’s representative Sid Mackay, father of Metropolitan Police Constable Nina Mackay (25) who died in 1997 after being stabbed by a wanted man. 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. 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:

PC Bruce Lister, Hertfordshire Constabulary

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 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.

The event ended with audience members standing in silence, as the orchestra played ‘Abide with Me’ and the Last Post sounded.

The National Police Memorial Day 2024 will take place in Glasgow next year.