Fallen Colleagues Remembered at Care of Police Survivors Service

4 August 2025

There was emotion as police officers who have died on duty were remembered by their family and friends at the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Annual Service of Remembrance.

Surviving family members and serving police officers gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday 3 August to pay their respects to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

More than 1,000 people attended the service in Staffordshire – where the rain thankfully held off.

Events took place all weekend for surviving family members.

Stu Parry, Secretary of Lancashire Police Federation, said: “Care of Police Survivors is a fantastic charity which supports the families of Police Officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It is a privilege to be here remembering not only our Lancashire Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, but all officers from around the UK, who sadly are no longer with us.

“The charity ensures our Police Survivors remain in the police family and as always it’s a fantastic turn out showing support for the families who have suffered the most tragic events in policing, resulting in their loved ones not returning home after their shift.”

Lancashire Constabulary Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett said the service should always support the families of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

She said: “To stand alongside families who have lost loved ones, survivors, the ones that are left behind, just remembering what a fantastic sacrifice they've had to make for their loved ones who have died in service, is something I think we should continue to do.

“Having spent yesterday with the families, they so appreciate the support of knowing other people have been through what they've been through.

“They feel like it's still a looked after family, even if they've lost their loved ones, and their loved ones have died in the line of duty.

“I think they understand why their loved ones did what they did, but they also recognise that they're the ones that are left and the support that they get from one another is just fabulous.

“It's a coming together, it's appreciation, it's shared learning, shared understanding, shared support. And we shouldn't lose it.”

During the one-hour service on Sunday, survivors recalled their loss and how the charity had helped them in their time of need.

Two daughters of fallen police officers and a sister of a colleague who died on duty spoke with emotion and humour recalling their loved one.

The Roll of Honour for the police officers and who have died on duty during the past 12 months was read out.

Those remembered this year were Acting Sgt Reece Buckenham, of Hertfordshire Police; DC Karen Smith, of Humberside Police; PC Rosie Prior, of North Yorkshire Police; PC Michael Bruce, of the Metropolitan Police; and PC Ian Minett, of Gloucestershire Constabulary.

The Police Unity Tour arrived before the Service of Remembrance – more than 500 cyclists who had ridden from across the country to the Arboretum in memory of fallen officers.

The cyclists raise money for the COPS charity – and this year raised in excess of £230,000.

Also attending were the Blue Knights motorcyclists.