National Police Memorial Day commemorates 'dedication’ of fallen officers

29 September 2026

The 2026 edition of National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) took place over the weekend with thousands honouring the memories of officers who have died in the line of duty.

On Sunday 27 September, senior police leaders, religious leaders, politicians and the loved ones of fallen officers were among those present at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall for NPMD, which was the 23^rd of its kind in the UK.

Branch equality lead Terasa Holden was in attendance to represent Hertfordshire Police Federation and praised the event for providing an opportunity to commemorate every colleague in the profession who has made the ultimate sacrifice.

Speaking after the NMPD service, Terasa said: “This day gives us a chance to remember the officers who didn’t make it home at the end of their shift, and whose incredible levels of service should live on forever.

Branch equality lead Terasa Holden

“It means so much to remember them, because they gave their lives for our profession and for the safety of the public. There’s only a handful of jobs where that can happen and ours is one of them, so it’s very important to make sure these acts of complete selflessness and dedication are never forgotten about.

“For me, it’s a privilege to be part of the collective effort towards that today, and I couldn’t be prouder to be here.”

Terasa went on to discuss the strength of spirit shared among NPMD attendees, adding: “It brings us all together in a way no other event on the policing calendar quite does.

“In the service, I was sat next to a lady whose husband died in the police in 1986. It was really heartwarming to know there are officers being remembered from all sorts of circumstances, even if they lost their lives a long time ago now.

“It also makes you realise how lucky you are, because there are people here who have lost their dearest loved ones and have had to learn to live a life without them. As colleagues and friends, the least we can do is show our support and solidarity to keep their memories alive.”

This year’s NPMD took on significance with tributes to the eight officers who had died on duty during the previous 12 months.

They were:

Police Constable Matthew Blades, Cleveland Police, aged 37
Police Constable Tom Clough, Cleveland Police, aged 38
Police Constable Alice Slominska, Bedfordshire Police, aged 19
Police Constable Jess Turnbull, Northumbria Police, aged 19
Police Constable Mark Chester, Ministry of Defence Police, aged 35
Police Constable Mathew Parker, Essex Police, aged 43
Police Constable Bradley Corke, Kent Police, aged 27
Police Constable Faizaan Najeeb, Northamptonshire Police, aged 24

The service was opened with a processional march featuring flag bearers from forces across England and Wales, followed by music from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

National Police Chaplain the Reverend Matt Hopley opened the service before Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ, Lord-Lieutenant of Belfast, welcomed the congregation.

Following this, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Lady Ruth Hamilton, Patron of the RUC GC Widows’ Association, delivered touching readings in remembrance of the fallen.

Music was provided by the Police Service of Northern Ireland Male Voice Choir and Police Service of Northern Ireland Ladies Choir.

Police hats representing England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were carried to the front of the hall and laid beside candles, before relatives representing each nation lit a candle.

The Northern Ireland candle was lit by Jackie Gorman, mother of Police Constable Kevin Declan Gorman, who died aged 24 on 23 November 2008 alongside three colleagues while responding to a call for assistance.

The Welsh candle was lit by Dorothy Ellis, mother of Gwent Police Constable Adrian Bryn Ellis, who died aged 29 on 27 September 1989 after being killed in a motorcycle accident while travelling to report for duty.

The Scottish candle was lit by Christine Fulton MBE, wife of Police Constable Lewis George Fulton, who died aged 28 on 17 June 1994 after being stabbed during a violent struggle while protecting members of the public.

The English candle was lit by Chris Prior, husband of Police Constable Rosie Prior, who died aged 45 on 11 January 2025 after being struck by a lorry while assisting at the scene of a collision.

The congregation stood for The Last Post as petals fell in remembrance of lives lost.

The lights were then dimmed, with members of the congregation holding flameless candles as a spotlight illuminated the Book of Remembrance, which contains the names of all officers who have died on duty. A lone piper was also illuminated as part of the ceremony.

Eight red flameless candles were placed on the altar table in tribute to the officers who had died during the previous 12 months.

The service concluded with the Act of Commitment, led by Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher QPM, followed by the Benediction and National Anthem.

The next National Police Memorial Day will be held in Wales on Sunday 26 September 2027, with the venue to be confirmed.