Fallen Officers Remembered At National Police Memorial Day

25 September 2023

It is only right that the police service stops to pay its respect to the sacrifices made by those who protect us, Surrey Police Federation has said.

Chair Darren Pemble joined members of the police family in Cardiff on Sunday 24 September for the annual National Police Memorial Day service, to honour more than 5,000 officers who have lost their lives on duty.

Darren said: “National Police Memorial Day is an opportunity to reflect, honour and pay tribute to our fallen colleagues.

“This is an important event to support as we recognise and remember police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a chance for the police family to stand together and honour our colleagues who gave their lives in the line of duty.

“Policing is a difficult and dangerous role so this service allows us to remember our brave officers and give our utmost respect to their loved ones who mourn their loss. We are forever grateful and we will not forget them for their dedication to duty and keeping us safe.

“I am proud to be here representing Surrey Police officers who work so hard to protect the public. It is only right that we stop to pay our respect to the sacrifices made by those who protect us. Policing is a job like no other.”

The names of those officers who had died in the past year were read out. They are PCSO Daniel Gower, of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary; Sgt Steven Creal, of Sussex Police; PC Richard Kemp, of Lancashire Constabulary; PC Bruce Lister, of Hertfordshire Constabulary; PC Neil Pattinson, of Northumbria Police; PC Andrew Boardman, of West Mercia Police; Insp Gareth Earp, of Dyfed-Powys Police; and Sgt Graham Saville, of Nottinghamshire Police.

During the service, candles were lit for officers in each of the four nations. Representing Wales was Dorothy Ellis, mother of PC Adrian Ellis, of Gwent Police, who died aged 29 on 27 September 1989 as a result of a road traffic collision.

Representing Scotland was David Taylor, son of PC George Taylor, of Strathclyde Police, who died aged 27 on 30 November 1976 after being attacked with an axe.

Representing England was Sid Mackay, father of PC Nina Mackay, of the Metropolitan Police, who died aged 25 on 24 October 1997 having been stabbed by a wanted man. She was posthumously awarded the Commissioner’s High Commendation for Bravery.

Representing Northern Ireland were Mervyn and Dorothy Reynolds, parents of Constable Philippa Reynolds, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who died aged 27 on 9 February 2013 after the police vehicle in which she was a passenger was struck by a stolen vehicle.

The service also heard a reading First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.