North Yorkshire honours fallen colleagues at National Police Memorial Day

28 September 2026

North Yorkshire Federation rep Neil Williams says he was ‘full of pride’ at representing fellow Special Constable Glenn Goodman at the National Police Memorial Day service.

He joined branch secretary Tony Barnes, fellow rep Elaine Malcolm, and Rosie Prior’s husband Chris, who lit a candle at the service in memory of officers who have lost their lives.

Neil attended in memory of his friend Glenn, who lost his life on duty in 1992, and Glenn’s family.

He said: “Today is really very precious to me.

“It's very important we keep his memory alive, because Glenn did pay the ultimate sacrifice.
“Unfortunately, his parents have now passed away, so I'm here as a friend of his family, representing his family at this auspicious event.

 

Branch secretary Tony Barnes (left), rep Elaine Malcolm (centre) and rep Neil Williams at the National Police Memorial Day service

 

“It fills me full of pride and pleasure that we can be here keeping his legacy and his name alive.

“It’s a sombre moment, but it's very important that me as an individual and North Yorkshire Place do keep the memory of our fallen colleagues alive.”

A key part of the ceremony is the lighting of four candles, one for each of the  four nations and their respective fallen officers.

Chris, husband of Rosie, who died after being struck by a lorry on the A19 at Bagby on 11 January 2025, lit a candle for England.

Tony said the service and Chris’s involvement provided a powerful reminder of the impact the loss of an officer has on family, friends and colleagues.

National Police Memorial Day

He said: “It was a real privilege to be at the National Police Memorial Day supporting the families of fallen officers from North Yorkshire who went out to serve members of the public and never returned home making the ultimate sacrifice’

“National Police Memorial Day is a really significant day for everyone within policing.

“It gives us the opportunity to pause and remember those officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“It is particularly poignant to be alongside families and friends of fallen colleagues, and to hear their stories and understand the lasting impact their loss has had.

“It was incredibly moving to see Chris light the candle for England and for Rosie.

Never forget

“We must never forget those who have given their lives in the service of others, and it is important we continue to support those who are left behind.”

This year’s service was held at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall. It brought together the family, friends and loved ones of officers who have died in the line of duty, as well as serving and retired officers of all ranks, politicians, civic and faith leaders, and members of the public to pay their respects.

This year’s service was particularly poignant, with eight officers who had died on duty during the previous 12 months remembered during the commemorations.

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

National Police Memorial Day service

The service 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.

Readings were 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.

Lighting of candles

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, including Chris Prior.

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.

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

Book of Remembrance

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.

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