‘Moving’ 2026 National Police Memorial Day observed in Belfast

29 September 2026

North Wales Police Federation chair Trystan Bevan was among thousands of attendees at the 23^rd National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) over the weekend to commemorate the lives of police officers who have died in the line of duty.

The 2026 edition of NPMD was held on Sunday 27 September at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, which housed guests including senior police leaders, religious leaders, politicians and the loved ones of fallen officers.

“I think National Police Memorial Day is a time that we, as police forces across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, all come together in memory of our fallen colleagues – the officers who have lost their lives in the course of their duties,” Trystan said.

“Also, we stand together with their families in respect of that, who continue to feel the losses of the people who meant the world to them. It’s a time for us to join them by mourning and remembering our friends and colleagues who served alongside us.”

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman (left) and branch chair Trystan Bevan

Trystan elaborated on the importance of supporting these individuals in their grief, adding: “I think it’s crucial that we are always prepared to stand together with them, and for them to see that.

“And by seeing that, they know they’re part of the wider policing family, because at the end of the day, we are one big family who should look after each other. That means in day-to-day working life, but also on moving occasions like this, where remembering those no longer with us is very meaningful but can be equally difficult and painful.

“Every year, there is such a huge outpouring of emotion for these officers by such a huge amount of people, and it is always a privilege to witness. It’s a reminder of the strength of love and appreciation for policing, even if it is not always there for us to see.” 

Poignant

This year’s NPMD service was a poignant tribute to the eight officers who had died on duty during the previous 12 months.

They were:

• Police Constable Matthew Blades, Cleveland Police, aged 37
• Police Constable Tom Clough, Cleveland Police, aged 38
• Police Constable Alice Slominska, Bedfordshire Police, aged 19
• Police Constable Jess Turnbull, Northumbria Police, aged 19
• Police Constable Mark Chester, Ministry of Defence Police, aged 35
• Police Constable Mathew Parker, Essex Police, aged 43
• Police Constable Bradley Corke, Kent Police, aged 27
• Police Constable Faizaan Najeeb, Northamptonshire Police, aged 24

Commemorations were opened with a processional march featuring flag bearers from forces across England and Wales, followed by music from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

National Police Chaplain the Reverend Matt Hopley opened the service before Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ, Lord-Lieutenant of Belfast, welcomed the congregation.

The next part of the service saw touching readings delivered by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Lady Ruth Hamilton, Patron of the RUC GC Widows’ Association. 

Music was provided by the Police Service of Northern Ireland Male Voice Choir and Police Service of Northern Ireland Ladies Choir.

Police hats representing England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were carried to the front of the hall and laid beside candles, before relatives representing each nation lit a candle.

The Northern Ireland candle was lit by Jackie Gorman, mother of Police Constable Kevin Declan Gorman, who died aged 24 on 23 November 2008 alongside three colleagues while responding to a call for assistance.

The Welsh candle was lit by Dorothy Ellis, mother of Police Constable Adrian Bryn Ellis, who died aged 29 on 27 September 1989 after being killed in a motorcycle accident while travelling to report for duty.

Accident

The Scottish candle was lit by Christine Fulton MBE, wife of Police Constable Lewis George Fulton, who died aged 28 on 17 June 1994 after being stabbed during a violent struggle while protecting members of the public.

The English candle was lit by Chris Prior, husband of Police Constable Rosie Prior, who died aged 45 on 11 January 2025 after being struck by a lorry while assisting at the scene of a collision.

The congregation stood for The Last Post as petals fell in remembrance of lives lost.

The lights were then dimmed, with members of the congregation holding flameless candles as a spotlight illuminated the Book of Remembrance, which contains the names of all officers who have died on duty. A lone piper was also illuminated as part of the ceremony.

Eight red flameless candles were placed on the altar table in tribute to the officers who had died during the previous 12 months.

The service concluded with the Act of Commitment, led by Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher QPM, followed by the Benediction and National Anthem.

The next National Police Memorial Day will be held in Wales on Sunday 26 September 2027, with the venue to be confirmed.

READ MORE: Tribute to former North Wales Police Federation rep