Honouring fallen officers at National Police Memorial Day
27 September 2021
West Mercia Police Federation workplace representative Pete Nightingale was among the 300-strong congregation marking National Police Memorial Day yesterday.
He attended the service at Lincoln Cathedral alongside dignitaries, family members and public figures to honour those police officers who have paid the ultimate price in serving their community. Deputy Chief Constable Julian Moss represented the Force.
The moving commemoration was led by the Reverend Canon David Wilbraham, national police chaplain and coordinator of the National Police Memorial Day.
Pete said: “This is one of the most important days in the policing calendar as we gather together, whether in person or remotely, to remember our colleagues who have given everything to the calling we all share.
“I was honoured to attend the service in the beautiful setting of the cathedral and stand side by side with the families of those officers who turned in for their shift and never made it home. Our fallen officers should never be forgotten and nor should we forget the loss that is felt by their loved ones.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel read from 1 Corinthians 13 on the theme of love, and Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, gave the address.
Fallen officers remembered this year included:
- PS Paul Keaney, Northamptonshire Police
- PC Christopher Miller, Metropolitan Police
- PC Matiu Ratana, Metropolitan Police
- DC Quamar Zaman, Greater Manchester Police
- PC Thomas White, Police Scotland
- PC Darryl Street, Civil Nuclear Constabulary.
John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, also spoke to the congregation of around 300 people.
He said: “National Police Memorial Day is an incredibly important day in the policing calendar. It’s a day to remember those colleagues we have lost and to ensure they are never forgotten.
“Policing is a family, and when we lose a member of our family the pain is felt far and wide. The National Memorial Day is a time to reflect, pay tribute and remember. It is so important, especially to the families, friends and colleagues of those we have lost, that their loved ones will never be forgotten.”
During the service, representatives of fallen officers from the four forces of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland lit candles in an act of remembrance.
As the minute’s silence was observed, petals of remembrance representing all who have lost their lives fell from the gallery. The orchestra played “Abide With Me” and “The Last Post” was sounded.
The service was followed by an online commemoration for those unable to attend in person. As a show of support, public buildings around the UK were illuminated blue to mark the occasion, including numerous police HQ buildings.
National Police Memorial Day was founded in 2004 by now retired Sergeant Joe Holness to commemorate the memory of colleagues lost in the line of duty. Sergeant Holness was motivated by the death of his colleague, fellow Kent officer PC Jon Odell, who was killed in December 2000 after a vehicle was driven at him.
Next year the service will move to Northern Ireland with Belfast hosting.
