Memorial day service will honour fallen colleagues

16 September 2025

Police officers of all ranks and from all corners of the UK will be at Coventry Cathedral at the end of this month to honour fallen colleagues during the National Police Memorial Day service.

Matthew Candy, chair of Gwent Police Federation, will be part of the congregation, representing the branch and its members.

“I believe the memorial day service is one of the most important dates in the policing year since it allows us to come together to remember our fallen colleagues and stand shoulder to shoulder with the families they left behind to show them their loved one is never forgotten,” says Matthew.

“While police officers make up a good proportion of those at the service, they will also be joined by representatives of other policing stakeholders, politician and civic dignitaries.

Protecting

“It is a moving service and one I would encourage colleagues to attend at least once during their service since it such a poignant reminder of the commitment and dedication shown by officers as they carry out their duties, serving and protecting the public and putting their lives on the line.”

This year’s service takes place at 2pm on Sunday 28 September. Members can still register to attend.

There is also an online tribute wall where people can share their memories and leave tributes to fallen officers.

National Police Memorial Day was established by former Kent officer Joe Holness in the wake of the brutal death of his colleague PC Jon Odell in Margate in December 2000.

Coventry

The first service was held in London in 2004 and since then it has rotated around the four nations of the UK, generally being held in London when hosted in England.

In 2021 it was hosted at Lincoln Cathedral and this is the first time in the event’s history that it has been held in Coventry. The service last came to Wales in 2023 when it was held at the New Theatre in Cardiff.

During this year’s service, a roll of honour will be read out listing the names of officers who have died on duty in the 12 months since the 2024 memorial day in Glasgow. Relatives of four fallen officers will light candles to commemorate police lives lost in each of the four nations of the UK.