‘New memorial would be fitting tribute to Welsh officers’

13 April 2022

The Police Federation’s Welsh lead says a new National Welsh Police Memorial will be a fitting tribute to the fallen officers and staff in Wales.

Nicky Ryan is backing an appeal by the Police Roll of Honour Trust to help fund the memorial, which will honour the heroic officers and staff who have given their lives to protect the people and communities of Wales.

More than 80 officers have died in the line of duty in Wales, but it’s the only country in the UK without a dedicated national police memorial.

Nicky said: “Our members put their lives on the line every day and sadly some have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“A National Welsh Police Memorial would be a fitting and lasting tribute to those members of our police service who have died while protecting the people and communities of Wales.

“A memorial would give a focal point for family and friends to reflect on the loss of their loved ones, and it would give colleagues and the public a place to show their respects.

“Now we need your help in ensuring it becomes a reality and that we a dedicated memorial where we can all remember their sacrifice in public service.”

Students from the University of Wales Trinity St David’s (UWTSD) Swansea School of Architecture won a competition to design the memorial.

It will be located in Alexandra Gardens in Cardiff, close to the National Welsh War Memorial and National Welsh Falklands War Memorial.

John Giblin, vice-chair of the Police Roll of Honour Trust, said: “It’s intended the memorial will be funded by public and workforce fundraising and donations.

“Donations have already been received from the police family and are being held by the trust.

“We’re a small charity managed by volunteers, who are serving officers, retired officers and the relatives of fallen officers.

“The trust is rich in experience but poor on funding, so we make every penny count.”

To donate to the memorial, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/welshpolicememorial.