Tracy Walker, whose husband Ged Walker died in 2003 while on duty for Nottinghamshire Police, and Joan Hufton, the mother of Christopher McDonald who was 19 when he lost his life serving the Force in 1978, and her daughters Carol and Elaine and their husbands, attended the service.

And it came a month after the death of Sergeant Graham Saville, adding even more significance to the day.

Tom, who attended with his wife Mandy, said: “It was an incredibly emotional and poignant day, coming so soon after losing Graham.

“It was a chance for us to pay our respects to Graham, and to Ged and Chris and to show the love and support there is for their loved ones.

 

Nottinghamshire Police Federation secretary Tom Hill outside the venue in Cardiff.

 

“The National Police Memorial Day brings us all together to reflect, remember and pay tribute, and I hope it can provide some comfort to families, friends and colleagues.”

This year’s service took place at the New Theatre in Cardiff. It was attended by police chiefs, including Nottinghamshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Steve Cooper, as well as senior politicians, religious leaders and the families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers.

The service began with a welcome from the Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE, the National Police Chaplain and NPMD co-ordinator.

He said: “Grief is a universal experience that affects all our lives and today we gather to support each other and pay tribute to those lost in service.”

Wales’s First Minister Mark Drakeford, the Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Yvette Cooper, the Shadow Home Secretary, each gave a reading.

Policing Minister Chris Philp, who also attended, said: “National Police Memorial Day is a time for us to remember the ultimate sacrifice that many have made to keep this country safe.

“Every single day the police put their lives at risk to protect us and we must not forget these daily acts of courage and bravery.”

The main address was given by Reverend Liam Bradley, Dyfed Powys Police’s lead chaplain, while the National Police Memorial Day’s director of music John Morgan, a retired Dyfed Powys Police officer, conducted the orchestra for the final time after 18 years.

The Act of Remembrance saw candles, one from each of the four nations in the UK, lit to remind people of the ‘undying flame of devotion and commitment, exemplified by those whom we remember today’.

Representing England was Sid Mackay, father of Metropolitan Police Constable Nina Mackay, 25, who died in 1997 after being stabbed by a wanted man.

Wales was represented by Dorothy Ellis, the mother of Gwent Police Constable Adrian Ellis, 29, who died in 1989 in a road traffic collision.

Representing Scotland was David Taylor, the son of Strathclyde Police Constable George Taylor, 27, who died in 1976 when he was attacked with an axe.

And representing Northern Ireland were Mervyn and Dorothy Reynolds, parents of Constable Philippa Reynolds, 27, who died in 2013 following a road traffic collision. 

Nicky Ryan, Welsh lead for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW). read out the names of the officers who have lost their lives during the past year.

This year’s Roll of Honour included:

Police Community Support Officer Daniel William Gower, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Sergeant Steven Creal, Sussex Police

PC Richard James Joseph Kemp, Lancashire Constabulary

PC Bruce Lister, Hertfordshire Constabulary

PC Neil Pattinson, Northumbria Police

PC Andrew Boardman, West Mercia Police

Inspector Gareth Earp, Dyfed Powys Police

Sergeant Graham Saville, Nottinghamshire Police

Sergeant Paul Frear, West Midlands Police

“We give thanks to God for their courage and their dedication,” said Nicky, as petals of remembrance fell, representing those who have lost their lives.

This was followed by audience members standing in silence, as the orchestra played ‘Abide with Me’ and the Last Post sounded.

The service finished with the national anthems of Wales and the UK.

Next year's National Police Memorial Day will take place in Glasgow.

READ MORE: Federation welcomes Labour Party backing of police medal.