Virtual NPMD As Poignant And Important As Ever

28 September 2020

THE 17th National Police Memorial Day Service remembering thousands of police officers who have died on duty was as emotional and moving as ever this year, despite being held virtually.

The online service – which featured police and religious leaders, politicians and families of fallen officers – was made even more poignant following the murder of Metropolitan Police officer Sgt Matt Ratana just two days before.

Prince Charles, who is patron of NPMD, paid tribute to UK police officers, saying they had “earned the admiration of the world” and would always have a "special place in the heart" of our grateful nation.

He said: “The dreadful incident in Croydon is an example of the dangers our police officers face daily. We owe our remarkable police officers the most profound debt of gratitude.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “When I think of our officers I think of the extraordinary courage they show every day. The officers we remember today represent the very best of us. They laid down their lives to prevent us from coming to harm. We own them a huge debt.”

Mel Warnes, Chair of Surrey Police Federation, said: “National Police Memorial Day was even more important this week following the tragic death of Sgt Matt Ratana in the early hours of Friday morning.

“NPMD gives us all the opportunity to remember our fallen colleagues who have made the ultimate sacrifice whilst on duty.

“Despite NPMD being virtual this year, this did not take away from the poignancy and importance of the day with a wonderful event.”

The service also received contributions from the Home Secretary, who gave a tribute and a reading, and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The British Police Symphony Orchestra played ‘I vow to thee my country’, with more than 60 musicians who had proudly recorded their contributions while in isolation from homes across the UK.

More than 4,000 police officers who have died on duty were remembered.

Officers who have died on duty over the past year had their names read out. They are Sgt Matt Ratana and PC Chris Miller, of the Metropolitan Police; SC Resham Singh Nahal, of West Midlands Police; PC Matt Lannie, of South Yorkshire Police; PC Nick Dumphreys, of Cumbria Police; DC Jon Hicken, of Dorset Police; and PC Roy Buggins, of Police Scotland.

If you missed it, you can see the service again here: https://www.polfed.org/news-media/latest-news/2020/fallen-officers-honoured-at-national-police-memorial-day/