Humberside Detective Honoured At National Police Memorial Day

29 September 2025

DC Karen Smith has been honoured at this year’s National Police Memorial Day service.

Humberside Police detective Karen sadly died in December 2024 in a motorcycle accident on her way home from work, and was one of the officers specifically honoured at this year’s service.

The names of Karen and those officers who have died in the past year were read out at the service, held in Coventry Cathedral on 28 September.

They are PC Ian Minett, of Gloucestershire Constabulary; PC Michael Bruce and PC Frank Hawkins, both of the Metropolitan Police; PC Marcus Bennett, of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary; and PC Rosie Prior, of North Yorkshire Police.

Also remembered was PC Faizaan Najeeb, of Northamptonshire Police, who died from injuries sustained on duty on Friday (26 September).

Lee Sims, Chair of Humberside Police Federation, said: “National Police Memorial Day is such an important day. It’s a day for us all to remember the ultimate sacrifice officers have made while on duty, as well as thinking about their families, friends and colleagues”

“It is an honour to be here with Karen’s family. Karen was an amazing detective, a much-loved friend and colleague to many, and will always be missed and never forgotten.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood gave a reading at the service, as did Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and PFEW Chair Tiff Lynch.

During the service, candles were lit for officers in each of the four nations.

Lighting the candle for England was Kelly Swindells and her daughter Mabel, in memory of Kelly's father DC Michael Swindells QGM, of West Midlands Police. DC Swindells was fatally stabbed by an armed suspect he was pursuing. Mabel was born on the 20th anniversary of his death.

Lighting the candle for Northern Ireland was Peter Olphert, in memory of his father Constable John Robinson Olphert, of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Constable Olphert was fatally shot by terrorist gunmen while off duty.

Lighting the candle for Scotland was Linsey Dempsey, in memory of her father PC Stuart Simpson, of Strathclyde Police. PC Simpson died when his police car was struck head on by a car going the wrong way on a motorway.

And lighting the candle for Wales was Lowri MacArthur, in memory of her father PC Terry Davies, of Gwent Police. PC Davies was killed after being struck by a stolen car that failed to stop as he cycled home from duty.

The families of six officers who have died in the line of duty were awarded the Elizabeth Emblem during the service. They are the families of PC Royston Jerred, of Sussex Police; Sgt Noel Lane and PC Mark Peers, both of the Metropolitan Police; PC Andrew Le Comte, of West Midlands Police; PC Ian Rodgers, of Greater Manchester Police; and PC Dennis Smith, of Devon and Cornwall Police.

At the end of the service, the Last Post was sounded, and petals in remembrance of all the officers who have lost their lives were distributed to the congregation.