Remembering fallen colleagues at memorial day service

26 September 2022

Suffolk Police Federation chair Darren Harris says it was an honour to join colleagues from across the UK in remembering fallen officers at the National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) service yesterday.

Darren attended 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 Harris (left) with the family of Sergeant John Masterson at the memorial day.

Darren said afterwards: “It really was an honour to attend the National Police Memorial Day service and to be joined by John’s family. The memorial day gives us all an opportunity to show the families of our fallen officers that the service remembers their sacrifice and that they will always remain part of the policing family.”

A congregation of almost 2,000 people attended the service including secretaries of state, police chiefs, and family and friends of fallen of officers.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who gave a reading during the service, said: “To all the officers who lost their lives while working to keep us safe, we thank you and we honour you.

“Their bravery and commitment to their duty was unfaltering. Society owes them and their loved ones a debt we cannot repay, but it is one we will not forget.

“As Home Secretary I make a promise to give police the powers and tools they need to do their jobs safely.”

During the service, candles were lit by relatives in remembrance of officers throughout the country who have lost their lives, one from each of the four nations of the United Kingdom.

Representing England was Kat Dumphreys, widow of PC Nick Dumphreys, who died on 26 January 2000 aged 47. He sustained fatal injuries when the police vehicle he was driving was in a single vehicle collision on the M6.

Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, read the names of officers who have lost their lives during the past year – PC Daniel Golding, Metropolitan Police, PC Craig Higgins, Greater Manchester Police, PC Alex Prentice, Northamptonshire Police, and PC Darryl Street, Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

He said: “National Police Memorial Day is an occasion to reflect and celebrate the best in policing not only in Northern Ireland but throughout the United Kingdom.

“Daily we see officers stepping up to the mark to safeguard communities and, sadly, on occasion, some officers are injured or lose their lives in the execution of their duties. This weekend, we say to assembled families that the police ‘family’ recognises, appreciates, and empathises with what you are experiencing and will never forget the sacrifices your loved ones made.”

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the orchestra played Abide with me and the Last Post was sounded.

Canon David Wilbraham MBE, national police chaplain and co-ordinator of National Police Memorial Day, said: “This is the first time the National Police Memorial Day family has been able to gather in remembrance since the pandemic. Today we held those lost in honour - their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”