Police Family Remembers fallen colleagues at COPS Weekend

29 July 2024

Police Family Remembers fallen colleagues at COPS Weekend

There was emotion and humour 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 July 28 to pay respects to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The service in Staffordshire – bathed in glorious sunshine – was attended by around 1,000 people.

Andy Spence, Chair of Leicestershire Police Federation said the event was important to support the surviving family members of fallen officers.

He said: “It’s really important that we treasure the memory of the police lives. Care of Police Survivors is an amazing charity.

“Behind every brave officer that’s gone out there and ultimately paid the ultimate price, you’ve got a family behind them that is supporting, and it’s right that we honour them and try and do as much as we can for them.

“All these survivors have got amazing stories and it’s been great to spend the last couple of days with them, talking to them about how they’ve been supported over the last few years.”

Events took place all weekend for surviving family members.

During the 50-minute service on Sunday, survivors recalled their loss and how the charity had helped them in their time of need.

Speaking eloquently and emotionally were Sarah Doyle, wife of PC Neil Doyle, of Merseyside Police, Greg Briggs, brother of PC Paul Briggs, of Merseyside Police, and Charlotte Kellaway, daughter of Detective Inspector Ian Kellaway of The City of London Police.

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

Those remembered this year were Police Property Officer Mark Birch, from the British Transport Police, Sgt Graham Saville, of Nottinghamshire Police, Sgt Paul Frear, of West Midlands Police, PC Jack Cummings, of West Yorkshire Police, and Acting Sgt Reece Buckenham, of Hertfordshire Police.

Before the Service of Remembrance, The Police Unity Tour – hundreds of cyclists who had ridden from across the country to the Arboretum in memory of fallen officers – arrived. The cyclists raise money for the COPS charity.

Around 70 riders came from the East Midlands, Andy added: “From Leicester I think we’ve had about 35 riders and it’s been really great. They’ve really given it all. And there’s been some hilly bits and some hot weather as well.

“I’m so proud. The absolute feeling, the camaraderie, the family spirit, everything. Everyone’s absolutely buzzing.”

Also attending were the Blue Knights motorcyclists.