Memorial day to be held on Sunday

22 September 2022

Suffolk Police Federation chair Darren Harris says the National Police Memorial Day is “an incredibly important” date in the policing calendar.

This year’s National Police Memorial Day service takes place at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast at 2pm on Sunday (25 September) and Darren will be representing the branch.

He will attend the service with Ann Masterson, the widow of Suffolk Sergeant John Masterson, and their son and daughter-in-law PC Andy Masterson and Sergeant Louisa Masterson who are both serving officers with the Force. John was 46 when he died on duty on 26 June 1992 when he collapsed and died while on motorcycle escort duty during a royal visit.

Darren said: “I am pleased that John’s family can join us at this service, which serves as a fitting memorial for our fallen colleagues. So much work goes into the National Policing Memorial Day so it’s great that we can all be together in person this year to pay our respects.

“It’s an incredibly important day in the policing calendar, and takes on a certain poignancy this year coming so soon after the Queen’s funeral.

“It’s a chance to remember those colleagues we’ve lost, to ensure they’re never forgotten, and to show our support for their loved ones.”

The impact of the pandemic means it’s the first time in two years that everyone will be able to attend in person to pay their respects.

It was held online only in 2020, and at Lincoln Cathedral last year with restricted numbers of guests because of Covid-19 measures.

An online tribute wall has been set up for people to add their own messages for officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

Darren added: “I would encourage as many members as possible to pay their respects with a message on the tribute wall.”

National Police Memorial Day was first held in 2004 and has been held at the end of September each year since. It rotates around England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.