Senedd event highlights need for Welsh police memorial

3 October 2022

Nicky Ryan, Welsh lead for the Police Federation of England and Wales, with John Griffiths, Welsh Labour and Co-operative MS for Newport East.

The Police Federation’s Welsh lead has paid tribute to the work of the National Police Memorial Day charity at an event at the Senedd and has also highlighted the need for a memorial to fallen police officers in Wales.

Nicky Ryan joined members of the Senedd and South Wales Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan at the event.

They were also joined by the family of Terry Davies, a Gwent Police officer who died in August 1990, aged 34, when he was hit by a stolen vehicle which failed to stop as he cycled home after a tour of duty.

At the event are Jayne Griffiths (left) and her daughter Becky, with John Giblin, deputy chair of the Police Memorial Trust, and the trust's chair Canon David Wilbraham.

Nicky said it was an honour to be alongside Terry’s family for the event, which aimed to highlight the work of the National Police Memorial Day (NPMD).

She said: “NPMD is a chance for everyone to come together to pay our respects to fallen officers.

“It was an honour to be able to stand side by side with the family of PC Terry Davies as we remembered those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and think of the loved ones impacted by their loss.

“It was poignant to share it with, not only our senior politicians and police officers, but also with our younger generations as well. Our fallen officers will not be forgotten.”

Nicky used the event to highlight next year’s NPMD memorial day, which will be hosted at St David’s Hall in Cardiff next September.

And she also discussed the proposed National Welsh Police Memorial in Cathays Park.

An appeal has been launched 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.

Nicky said: “Each year, the NPMD is a poignant and emotional occasion that brings the UK’s policing family together to pay their respects.

“But we also need a permanent memorial that recognises and honours the more than 80 officers brave officers who have died in the line of duty in Wales.

“Wales is the only country in the UK without a dedicated national police memorial – and it’s something we would love to change.

“Which is why we’re campaigning for a National Welsh Police Memorial as lasting tribute to those members of our police service who have died protecting the people and communities of Wales.”

She added: “Hopefully this event is a step towards helping us achieve our goal with the help of our elected representatives.”