Memorial day service: fallen officers remembered

26 September 2023

Suffolk Police Federation secretary Ben Hudson has praised the organisers of the annual National Police Memorial Day service for ensuring that fallen officers are honoured and remembered.

Ben Hudson joined the families of fallen colleagues at the memorial day service which was held in Cardiff’s New Theatre on Sunday. The congregation also included chief officers, national Federation chair Steve Hartshorn, representatives of other Federation branches and politicians.

Ben said after the service: “National Police Memorial Day gives the police service the opportunity to come together to show that we never forget our fallen colleagues, the sacrifice they made and the life-long impact their loss has on their families and friends.

“I think it is incredibly important that we honour their memories and I am grateful to the organisers of the service for all their work in pulling it all together. The service is moving and humbling. It is an honour to attend and represent Suffolk Police Federation.”

The national police chaplain and NPMD co-ordinator, the Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE, welcomed those attending the 20^th annual service.

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’ First Minister Mark Drakeford, Home Secretary Suella Braverman and shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper each gave a reading during the service.

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 PC Nina Mackay (25) who died in 1997 after being stabbed by a wanted man. Representing Wales was Dorothy Ellis, the mother of Gwent PC Adrian Ellis (29) who died in a road accident in 1989. Representing Scotland was David Taylor, the son of Strathclyde PC George Taylor (27) who died in 1976 when he was attacked with an axe. Representing Northern Ireland were Mervyn and Dorothy Reynolds, parents of PC Philippa Reynolds (27) who died in 2013 following a road accident.

The Roll of Honour for the officers who had lost their lives during the past year was read by Nicky Ryan, Welsh lead for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).

They were:

PC Bruce Lister, Hertfordshire Constabulary

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 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 the petals of remembrance, representing those who have lost their lives, fell.

The service ended with the congregation standing in silence, as the orchestra played ‘Abide with Me’ and the Last Post sounded.

The National Police Memorial Day 2024 will take place in Glasgow.