North Yorkshire families join hundreds at National Police Memorial Day

22 October 2024

The loved ones of North Yorkshire Police officers who have died in the line of duty, joined branch chair Rob Bowles and hundreds of others at this year’s National Police Memorial Day.

The annual event, which took place on Sunday 29 September at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, gave members of the police family the opportunity to reflect and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Four families from North Yorkshire attended this year. Diane Summebrell, widow of PC Keith Summerbell, who died in 1982 after a collision with a lorry while undergoing motorcycle training. Jane Moment, the sister of PC Robert Ingram, who died in a road traffic accident in 1993. Frances Ellerker, the widow of PC Richard Ellerker, who died 30 years ago, having died and collapsed from a heart attack while on duty. And Richard and Rebecca Haigh, Richard is the son of PC David Haigh, who was fatally shot on duty in 1982.

Speaking at the event, Richard said: “The National Police Memorial Day means such a lot to the families of police officers who are no longer with us.

“You can’t help but feel a real sense of unity at this event - a chance for everyone to come together and honour the lives of our loved ones.”

This year's National Police Memorial Day in Glasgow.

Richard said that it’s an event he always ‘loves coming to’.

“It’s strange, although it’s full of sad emotions, I really do love coming to the Memorial Day,” he continued.

“I suppose it’s comforting in some ways, and it means a lot to see so many officers and members of the police family in attendance, who have each given up their time to celebrate the lives of their fallen colleagues.

“This day lets us know that our loved ones will never be forgotten, and that means a lot.”

Along with branch chair Rob, Chief Constable Tim Forber, Fed rep Dan Sinclair and Superintendent Andy Berriman also attended the service, which was the 21st of its kind, honoured the lives of more than 5,000 officers who have died whilst on duty in the past 180 years.

Honour

“It’s a real honour to attend such a poignant event,” said Rob.

“I feel privileged to be standing side-by-side with some of the families and loved ones of our own fallen colleagues. It’s an emotional and powerful service. I really admire them all for coming along each year to remember their loved ones.”

Rob continued to say that each year, the service allows those attending to spend time remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“The service is always extremely touching,” he said, adding: “And this year was certainly no different.

“From seeing a representative from each nation light a candle to hearing such powerful tributes to fallen officers, the service really does make you stop, reflect and remember.”

Acting national chair Tiff Lynch attended the event, along with the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson and Angela Constance, the cabinet secretary for justice and home affairs.

The service opened with a processional march, which included flag bearers from a number of forces from across England and Wales. This was followed by music from the Police Scotland and Scottish Federation Pipe Band. Songs were sung by the Scottish Police Community Choir throughout the service.

Huge privilege

The First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, welcomed the congregation, saying it was a ‘huge privilege’ for Scotland to be hosting such an event.

A reading was then shared by Khaldoun Kabbani, vice president of the National Associations of Muslim Police and the secretary general of the Scottish Police Muslim Association.

Ms Cooper and Ms Constance also gave a reading.

Each year, relatives representing Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales each light a candle to commemorate police lives lost in each of the four nations.

This year, lighting the candle for Scotland was Margaret Collins, mother and Helen Cruddis, sister of Police Constable Anthony (Tony) Collins, 43 years, Police Service of Scotland, who died on 29 November 2013 when a police helicopter crashed into the roof of the Clutha bar in Glasgow.

Representing

Representing England was Luke Ratana, son of Police Sergeant Matiu (Matt) Ratana, 54 years, Metropolitan Police, who died on 25 September 2020 after being fatally shot in Croydon Custody Centre. Luke is a serving police officer in Australia.

For Northern Ireland, Jill Davidson, the wife of Detective Superintendent Philip Davidson, 45 years, of Royal Ulster Constabulary GC, who died on 2 June 1994 when the RAF Chinook helicopter crashed on the Mull of Kintyre.

For Wales, Rob Jones, brother, and Chris Milne-Jones, sister of Police Constable Ralph Jones, 34 years, North Wales Police, who died on 13 July 1999 as the result of a road traffic incident while on a training course.

The names of officers who have died in the last 12 months were then read, with a tribute shown on the screen at the front.

This year’s Roll of Honour included:

Sergeant Paul Frear, West Midlands Police
Sergeant Graham Saville, Nottinghamshire Police
Police Constable Jack Cummings, West Yorkshire Police
Sergeant Reece Buckenham, Hertfordshire Constabulary

The congregation stood during The Last Post, while silence was kept as green and blue petals fell in remembrance of lives lost.

Recessional Music was played by the Police Scotland and Scottish Police Federation Pipe Band to mark the end of the service.

Ahead of the service, a parade - led by the pipe band - made its way to the Royal Concert Hall from Glasgow’s George Square before a Scottish flypast took place.

There is an online tribute wall that loved ones can post on. This can be accessed here and will remain active for 30 days following this year’s memorial weekend.

Next year’s National Police Memorial Day will be held on 28 September at Coventry Cathedral.