Fallen colleagues remembered at National Police Memorial Day service

26 September 2023

The Welsh Lead for the Police Federation for England and Wales (PFEW) said it was a ‘privilege’ to read out the Roll of Honour at this year’s National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) service in Cardiff.

The ceremony at the city’s New Theatre was attended by Police Federation representatives, police chiefs, politicians and religious leaders as well as the families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers.

And with the event, which was in its 20^th year, held in Wales, Nicky Ryan was asked if she would read the Roll of Honour during the service.

Nicky said: “It was an honour to be asked to read out the names of those who have lost their lives over the past 12 months. I think everyone attending could see how emotional I found it, especially reading out the name of Dyfed Powys Inspector Gareth Earp.”

The Welsh Lead for the Police Federation for England and Wales, Nicky Ryan.

Nicky said the service is one of the most important dates in the policing calendar.

“Police officers work extremely hard, often in very challenging, fast-paced conditions and the service gives us the opportunity to pause for thought and reflect on the sacrifices made by our fallen colleagues,” she added.

“The policing family is a close-knit one and losing a colleague always hits hard. The service of remembrance reassures the families of fallen officers that their loved ones will never be forgotten.

“Of course, it was particularly special this year, as we welcomed colleagues from across the UK to Wales.”

National police chaplain and NPMD co-ordinator, the Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE welcomed the congregation.

He said: “Grief is a universal experience that affects all our lives and today we gather to support each other and pay tribute to those lost in service.”

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford read the poem ‘Remember’, followed by readings from Home Secretary Suella Braverman and shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper.

This year’s Roll of Honour included:

Inspector Gareth Earp, Dyfed Powys Police

PC Bruce Lister, Hertfordshire Constabulary

Police Community Support Officer Daniel William Gower, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

Sergeant Steven Creal, Sussex Police

PC Richard James Joseph Kemp, Lancashire Constabulary

PC Neil Pattinson, Northumbria Police

PC Andrew Boardman, West Mercia Police

Sergeant Graham Saville, Nottinghamshire Police

Sergeant Paul Frear, West Midlands Police

Petals of remembrance representing those who have lost their lives fell as Nicky told the congregation: “We give thanks to God for their courage and their dedication”.

The service also featured a poignant Act of Remembrance which saw candles, one from each of the four nations in the UK, lit to remind people of the “undying flame of devotion and commitment, exemplified by those whom we remember today”.

Wales was represented by Dorothy Ellis whose son Adrian Ellis, a Gwent Police Constable, died aged 29 in a road traffic collision in 1989.

Sid Mackay, father of Metropolitan Police Constable Nina Mackay, 25, who died in 1997 after being stabbed by a wanted man, represented England.

David Taylor, the son of Strathclyde Police Constable George Taylor, 27, who died in 1976 when he was attacked with an axe, represented Scotland.

Northern Ireland was represented by Mervyn and Dorothy Reynolds, parents of Constable Philippa Reynolds, 27, who died in 2013 following a road traffic collision.

The event ended with the congregation standing in silence, as the orchestra played ‘Abide with Me’ and the Last Post sounded.

In honour of fallen officers and to mark this year's National Police Memorial Day, the Senedd lit up blue on Saturday night, with multiple public buildings and Force HQs across Wales doing the same.

The National Police Memorial Day 2024 will take place in Glasgow next year.