‘Remembering the people we shared this job with is everything’: Fed member reflects on UK Police Memorial service

4 August 2026

A Federation member has described this week’s Ceremony of Remembrance at the UK Police Memorial site as ‘a privilege to attend’ as he looked back on his experience at the annual service for fallen officers.

The special event was held on Tuesday 28 July at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire – five years to the day since it became the home of the UK Police Memorial after an official opening by King Charles III, then the Prince of Wales.

Senior policing figures, government officials and officers and staff from across the country were present to honour those in the profession who have died while on duty, as well as the family and friends of these late individuals.

Acting Inspector James Watson attended the service, alongside colleague Sergeant Mike Saunders. Both Hertfordshire officers are key figures involved in bearing the Force’s standard at ceremonial events.

 

James Watson (left) and Mike Saunders (right) at the Arboretum

 

Reflecting on the occasion, James was full of praise and gratitude for the chance to be part of ‘a poignant service for an even more poignant purpose’.

“Mike is the current standard bearer, and I am about to take over his duties when he retires, so I was there to observe him in action and all the rules and expectations that come with the role,” he said.

“Of course, I got much more out of the day than just that – it was an opportunity to be at one of the main events on the policing calendar, with people from far and wide all joined together in one common cause.

“To witness such a moving tribute to our fallen officers is something that will stay with me for a long time. From start to finish, it was very well done and just a privilege to attend.”

The Last Post

The event included performances of the UK national anthem, the Last Post and Reveille.

Other highlights for James included the reading of a self-written poem by a local Staffordshire school pupil, about the importance of remembering the many sacrifices made within policing.

James said that, despite being in the job for 13 years, he can still doubt how well thought of police officers are by the general public.

He continued: But something like this reminds you how much appreciation is still out there for what we do.

“There were so many members of the public present and engaging with us, which I found very humbling.

“The poem was beautiful and so nice to hear from someone of a young age. It was another touching moment in a day full of them.”

Line of duty

Although he had no personal connection to any officer who died in the line of duty, James said the ceremony made him feel ‘closer on a professional level’ to colleagues such as PC Jess Turnbull and PC Andrew Harper, whose lives were honoured during the service.

The 40-year-old added that he also reflected on colleagues who died away from the frontline, keeping their memories close throughout the day.

“Remembering the people we shared this job with is everything. We can never forget the people who once stood beside us, going into every shift with the same commitment and dedication as we do now,” he said.

“That sense of solidarity is what really shone through, and it reminded me how national policing truly is. It’s not about individual forces, but about sticking together as one.

Tribute

“Matthew Hopley, the national police chaplain, told us we don’t have to go through any part of this job alone, and it’s true – we will always be there for each other.”

James rounded off by speaking glowingly about the UK Police Memorial, describing it as being in ‘immaculate condition’ which could be seen from the other end of the Arboretum, and as ‘the way I would want to be remembered by my profession’.

To coincide with this year's Ceremony of Remembrance, a digital tribute wall has been launched, giving relatives, friends and colleagues the chance to honour the memory of a fallen officer.

Each message written on the tribute wall will be linked directly to an individual citation on the Police Roll of Honour.

The Police Arboretum Memorial Trust has introduced the Digital Tribute Wall as part of an existing digital tribute page, which you can visit on the UK Police Memorial website.

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