Thousands of police officers honoured at the 23rd annual National Police Memorial Day.

28 September 2026

Thousands of police officers who have died on duty were honoured at the 23rd annual National Police Memorial Day.

Members of the police family gathered in Belfast on 27 September, to honour around the more than 4,500 officers who have lost their lives on duty.

1,500 people were in attendance.

The names of those officers who have died in the past year were read out.

PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, of Cleveland Police, PC Alice Slominska, of Bedfordshire Police, PC Jess Turnbull, of Northumbria Police, PC Mark Chester, of The Ministry of Defence Police, PC Mathew Parker, of Essex Police, PC Bradley Corke, of Kent Police, and PC Faizaan Najeeb, of Northamptonshire Police.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood gave a reading at the service, as did the Lady Lieutenant of Belfast Dame Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle. And Jon Boutcher, Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Lee Sims, Chair of Humberside Police Federation, said: “Today is the most important day in the Police Federation calendar.

"It’s a day when we all come together to pay tribute to officers and staff who have sadly died or been killed in the line of duty.

“They have all paid the ultimate sacrifice and this will never be forgotten. I also think it is a time when we take a moment to think about all the other officers and staff who have sadly died whilst serving.

“My thoughts are with all the families, friends and colleagues on this day.”

Lee added: "It’s also an honour to be here with Jodie the daughter DC Karen Smith who was a friend and colleague who was tragically killed whist travelling home from work in December 2024, my thoughts are with the rest of her family who sadly couldn’t be here today."

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

Lighting the candle for Northern Ireland was Jackie Gorman, mother of Constable Kevin Gorman, who died 23rd November 2008, alongside three colleagues, while responding to a call for assistance when their police vehicle lost control and struck a wall.

Lighting the candle for Wales was Dorothy Ellis, mother of PC Adrian Ellis, of Gwent Constabulary, who died on 27th September 1989. Adrian was killed in a motorcycle accident while travelling to report for duty.

Lighting the candle for Scotland was Christine Fulton MBE, wife of PC Lewis Fulton, of Strathclyde Police, who died on 17 June 1994, when he was stabbed during a violent struggle as he took action to protect members of the public.

Lighting the candle for England was Chris Prior, husband of PC Rosie Prior, of North Yorkshire Police, who died on 11 January 2025, when she was struck by a lorry while assisting at the scene of a collision.

Towards 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.

The congregation held blue and green flameless candles and there were eight red flameless candles on the alter table, in tribute to the eight officers who have died on duty in the last 12 months.