West Mercia cop honoured at National Police Memorial Day
26 September 2023
West Mercia Police Officer Andy Boardman was among those honoured at this year’s National Police Memorial Day (NPMD).
Branch secretary Pete Nightingale and West Mercia Chief Constable Pippa Mills attended the event to commemorate colleagues who have died in the line of duty.
They were joined by police chiefs, politicians and religious leaders as well as the families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers at the service in Cardiff on Sunday (24 September). It was the 20th event of its kind.
Pete said: “The National Police Memorial Day service is one of the most significant dates on the policing calendar, made even more poignant this year with West Mercia's Andy Boardman sadly added to the Roll of Honour.
West Mercia Chief Constable Pippa Mills and branch secretary Pete Nightingale.
“The day gives us all the chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by colleagues in the previous 12 months and offer our support to the loved ones left behind.
“As always, the service was a moving occasion and it was an honour and a privilege to represent West Mercia Police Federation in Cardiff.”
National police chaplain and NPMD co-ordinator, the Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE welcomed those attending.
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, Home Secretary Suella Braverman and shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper each gave a reading.
The Act of Remembrance saw candles, one from each of the four nations in the UK, were lit to remind people of the ‘undying flame of devotion and commitment, exemplified by those whom we remember today’.
Sid Mackay, father of Metropolitan Police Constable Nina Mackay, 25, who died in 1997 after being stabbed by a wanted man, represented England.
Dorothy Ellis, the mother of Gwent Police Constable Adrian Ellis, 29, who died in 1989 in a road traffic collision, represented Wales.
Scotland was represented by David Taylor, the son of Strathclyde Police Constable George Taylor, 27, who died in 1976 when he was attacked with an axe.
And 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 names of officers who lost their lives during the past year were read by Police Federation Welsh affairs lead Nicky Ryan.
This year’s Roll of Honour featured:
PC Andrew Boardman, West Mercia 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
Inspector Gareth Earp, Dyfed Powys Police
Sergeant Graham Saville, Nottinghamshire Police
Sergeant Paul Frear, West Midlands Police
“We give thanks to God for their courage and their dedication,” said Nicky, as the petals of remembrance fell, representing those who have lost their lives.
The event ended with audience members standing in silence, as the orchestra played ‘Abide with Me’ and the Last Post sounded.
The National Police Memorial Day 2024 will take place in Glasgow next year.
READ MORE: Federation member supporting the West Mercia public in police staff and Special roles.
