Police family comes together to honour fallen colleagues

29 September 2026

Nottinghamshire Police Federation secretary Tom Hill says he was proud to represent members at this year’s National Police Memorial Day service.

Tom attended the service at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall with sisters of PC Christopher McDonald, Elaine Dean and Carol Bullock.

Chris was 19 when he was killed on 17 May 1978, after coming across a break-in at a jewellers’ shop in Worksop and bravely confronting a gang of offenders before chasing them.

In a subsequent struggle with a suspect, the officer suffered serious head injuries.

Tom said the day was a reminder of the dangers police officers faced.

Poignant

He said: “The National Police Memorial Day is a really poignant day in the policing calendar.

“It’s an opportunity for the policing family to pause and reflect on the lives of those who did not return home from duty.

“It’s also a reminder of the unique nature of policing and the risks officers face.

“We're proud to be here to represent Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Police Federation and our members at the service.”

The annual National Police Memorial Day service brings together police officers and staff, Federation representatives, senior leaders, politicians, community and faith leaders and the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

 

Branch secretary Tom Hill

 

Tom said the service was important for the families of fallen officers.

He said: “We come together to remember the sacrifice that our colleagues have made, and it is really poignant that we attended with family members from our Force.

“It’s incredibly important that we take the time out of our busy lives to remember the sacrifice that officers have made.

“And it provides comfort for their families and loved ones that the policing family stands with them and will never forget them.

“It’s a really emotional day and emotional service,” he added.

Commemorations

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

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.

Candles

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.

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 Gwent 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 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.

Remembrance

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: Branch offers condolences following deaths of Cleveland officers.