National Police Memorial Day ‘even more prominent’ following Elizabeth Emblem success

26 September 2024

One of the most significant events of the policing calendar is around the corner, with National Police Memorial Day (NMPD) taking place this weekend.

The 21st NMPD will be held on Sunday (29 September) at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow.

Hundreds of police officers and staff are set to be in attendance, with an open invitation extended to members of the public, too.

Representing Northamptonshire Police Federation will be branch chair Sam Dobbs, secretary Charlotte Pateman and Deputy Chief Constable Ash Tuckley.

Sam said: “National Police Memorial Day is an opportunity to commemorate those who have tragically passed away while simply doing their job.

“I think an event like this will always hold such value because it reminds us that there are officers who had their lives taken away from them. It is vital we carry on honouring their memory.

“The Memorial Day is always such a special event – not just because of the service itself, but thanks to the effort and emotion that goes into paying tribute to our colleagues.

Elizabeth Emblem

Sam said that this year’s service will be even more prominent following the success of the Federation’s Elizabeth Emblem Campaign.

“In March, the Government officially announced that the families of police officers who have died in service will be awarded an Elizabeth Emblem to recognise the ultimate sacrifice they made,” continued Sam. He added: “Such a milestone makes this year’s Memorial Day just that bit more special.

“As a Federation, we believe there are four Northamptonshire Police Officers whose families will be eligible to apply for an Elizabeth Emblem in honour of their loved ones. Over the coming weeks and months, we will be actively encouraging those families to get in touch so we can support them with the application process.”

The annual event is held by the Police Remembrance Trust after being founded in 2004 by Kent Police’s Inspector Joe Holness.

Now retired, Joe wanted to mark the sacrifice made by police after the tragic killing of his colleague PC Jon Odell in 2000.

This year, the NMPD service will start at 2pm, with attendees to be seated no later than 1:30pm.

Tributes

Earlier in the day, a guard of honour will flank a parade featuring the likes of the Police Scotland and Scottish Federation Pipe Band and standard bearers carrying the flags of various forces.

The guard will be made up of officers from both the UK and other countries.

Other tributes will include a flypast above the Royal Concert Hall at 12.40pm from Police Scotland’s Air Support Unit, and a display of vintage police vehicles at George Square, where the parade will also set off from.

For those unable to attend, highlights of the service will be uploaded to the Police Remembrance Trust website after its conclusion.

The NMPD Tribute Wall can be posted on by anyone wishing to share messages for fallen colleagues and loved ones, and will remain live for a month after Memorial Day weekend.