National Police Memorial Day on Sunday

23 September 2022

Police Federation Welsh Lead Nicky Ryan says National Police Memorial Day is a chance to honour the courage and sacrifice of officers who have lost their lives protecting the public.

Families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers will join police chiefs and politicians at this year’s service which takes place at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast at 2pm on Sunday (25 September).

Leigh Godfrey, regional Federation rep, will represent Wales and the South Wales branch at the service while Mick Antoniw, the Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution in the Welsh Government, is due to attend and meet families of fallen officers.

Nicky said: “Every year we rightly stop to remember the service of officers across the UK who have died serving and protecting the public.

“It’s a chance for the nation to recognise their selflessness and courage, which acts as an inspiration to so many.

“We’ll never forgot those husbands and wives, mums and dads, sons and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their memory shall live on.”

As a mark of respect for National Police Memorial Day, a number of force HQ buildings across Wales will be lit up in blue and the Welsh Government will also follow suit with the Cathays Park 1 building in Cardiff which it currently occupies.

“I am really pleased the Welsh Government has agreed to follow policing’s lead on this,” says Nicky, “Next year, it will be Cardiff’s turn to host National Police Memorial Day and this marks a significant step towards honouring our fallen colleagues.”

The impact of the pandemic means it’s the first time in two years that everyone will be able to attend the National Police Memorial Day 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 remembering fallen colleagues.

Nicky said: “I’m looking forward to joining my colleagues from across the four nations in paying our respects.

“A lot of hard work goes into the day and it’s always a moving and poignant occasion.

“The tribute wall provides an opportunity for officers and other people who aren’t able to attend to commemorate fallen colleagues and to pay tribute to their memory.”

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.