Fallen officers honoured at National Police Memorial Day

1 October 2025

Hertfordshire Police Federation representative Terasa Holden has described the immense pride and privilege of representing the branch and its members at this year’s National Police Memorial Day.

The service, hosted for the first time at Coventry Cathedral, saw the policing family gather from across the UK to remember colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Terasa attended the event, which this year took place on Sunday (28 September).

“National Police Memorial Day is such a powerful and significant event,” said Terasa.

Military

“I think because my family's background is in the military, honouring and remembering those who died in the line of duty really does mean a lot to me.

“I’m extremely proud to be a police officer - and there are people who were just as proud, who sadly are no longer here. This service is for them. It honours the courage of officers who have lost their lives as a result of the job and ensures their memory is never forgotten.

“It is also about the families - showing them that they remain part of our policing family and that we will always be there for them.”

The names of seven officers who died in the past year were read aloud by Tiff Lynch, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW):

PC Ian Minett, 38, Gloucestershire Constabulary
PC Michael Bruce, 48, Metropolitan Police
PC Frank Hawkins, 52, Metropolitan Police
PC Marcus Bennett, 44, Civil Nuclear Constabulary
PC Rosie Prior, 45, North Yorkshire Police
DC Karen Smith, 49, Humberside Police
PC Faizaan Najeeb, 24, Northamptonshire Police, who died just two days before the service.

The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood gave a reading from The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12), with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp reading from Colossians 3:12–17. Attendees also heard from the Bishop of Coventry, the Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, and were welcomed by the Dean of Coventry, The Very Reverend John Wit, and the Lord Mayor, Rachel Lancaster. Music came from the West Midlands Police Band, The Big Sing Community Choir and the Choir of Coventry Cathedral.

Faith leaders from across the country offered prayers, while family members and officers delivered poignant readings. Among them was Daniel Rodgers, son of PC Ian Rodgers, who travelled from Australia to mark the 50th anniversary of his father’s death.

Branch representative Terasa Holden

An act of remembrance saw symbolic candles lit for England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, by relatives of fallen officers including Kelly and Mabel Swindells, Peter Olphert, Lowri MacArthur and Linsey Dempsey.

The service concluded with the sounding of the peace bell, the falling of petals, and the playing of the Last Post and Reveille, followed by the National Anthem.

Five families also received the new Elizabeth Emblem, introduced in memory of Queen Elizabeth II to honour public servants who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The National Police Memorial Day was first established in 2001 by retired Kent Inspector Joe Holness OBE QPM after the death of his colleague PC Jon Odell. The first service took place at St Paul’s Cathedral in 2004, and it has since rotated across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland every year.

National Police Memorial Day 2026 will be hosted at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Sunday 27 September.

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