Fed chair looks back on ‘incredible’ National Police Memorial Day

3 October 2024

Officers who have died in the line of duty were honoured at the Scottish city’s Royal Concert Hall, where a congregation of over 1,000 paid their respects, including fellow Federation leaders, Force colleagues, religious leaders, politicians and families.

Joining Steve was West Mercia Police’s Acting Chief Constable Richard Cooper, as the pair represented the region on one of the most significant events of the policing calendar.

Before a service took place at the concert hall, a parade progressed towards the venue from Glasgow’s George Square, featuring standard bearers carrying the flags of various forces as well as the Police Scotland and Scottish Police Federation Pipe Band.

Acting Chief Constable Richard Cooper and branch chair Steve Butler.

Steve reflected on the event, saying: “It was a touching day, from start to finish. Everything is so well organised that it really heightens your emotions – the processions, the music, the readings and speeches, and everything else.

“There can never be enough time devoted to the memory of colleagues who are no longer with us, but to have a day where so many people come together for the same sole purpose is very special, I think.

“I really felt for the family and friends who had lost loved ones, especially those who remembered our own from West Mercia - PC Andy Boardman being the most recent.

Families

“And, with me being an officer from the north of the Force, I couldn’t help but personally spare a thought for PC Ricky Gray, who died so tragically in 2007 after being shot.”

“The Memorial Day is a great opportunity for police to join together with the families and loved ones of fallen officers because, more often than not, we find ourselves grieving or remembering the same person separately most of time.

“It was incredible to be at such an event where you can really honour those who have sacrificed everything for our profession.”

In the opening exchanges of the service, the congregation were welcomed by the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, who spoke proudly about the ‘privilege’ the country had in hosting such an occasion.

He said: “On behalf of everyone in Scotland, I would like to take this opportunity to tell officers and staff how much we appreciate their bravery.

“I pledge we will not forget those who have lost their lives serving our communities.”

Branch chair Steve Butler.

Paying respects on behalf of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) was acting national chair Tiff Lynch at NMPD, which was the 21st of its kind.

Also marking the lives of more than 5,000 officers who have died on duty in the past 180 years were Secretaries of State.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper gave a reading at the service, which included: “Today, we mourn and remember all the officers who have given their lives in service to the public.  

“We thank them and pay tribute to their bravery, their dedication and their sacrifice.

"We stand with their families who continue to live with the pain of losing their loved one and the pride for their incredible work to keep us safe.

“Policing is an extraordinary job – our officers run towards danger as others retreat.  

“We owe these officers a debt that can never be forgotten.”

Angela Constance, the cabinet secretary for justice and home affairs, then delivered a powerful poem titled ‘Grief Told Me Its Name’, based off original words by CS Lewis.

Commemorate

Each year, relatives representing Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, each light a candle to commemorate police lives lost in each of the four nations.

This year, lighting the candle for Scotland was Margaret Collins, mother and Helen Cruddis, sister of Police Constable Anthony (Tony) Collins, 43 years, Police Service of Scotland, who died on 29 November 2013 when a police helicopter crashed into the roof of the Clutha bar in Glasgow.

Representing England was Luke Ratana, son of Police Sergeant Matiu (Matt) Ratana, 54 years, Metropolitan Police, who died on 25 September 2020 after being fatally shot in Croydon Custody Centre. Luke is serving police officer in Australia.

For Northern Ireland, Jill Davidson, the wife of Detective Superintendent Philip Davidson, 45 years, of Royal Ulster Constabulary GC, who died on 2 June 1994 when the RAF Chinook helicopter crashed on the Mull of Kintyre.

For Wales, Rob Jones, brother, and Chris Milne-Jones, sister of Police Constable Ralph Jones, 34 years, North Wales Police, who died on 13 July 1999 as the result of a road traffic incident while on a training course.

The names of officers who have died in the last 12 months - including Sergeant Graham Saville of Nottinghamshire Police, Sergeant Paul Frear (West Midlands), PC Jack Cummings (West Yorkshire) and Sergeant Reece Buckenham (Hertfordshire) - were read, with a tribute shown on the screen at the front.

Federation members who were unable to attend NPMD can access highlights of the service from the Police Remembrance Trust website in due course.

Messages and tributes can also be posted to the NMPD Tribute Wall for a month following Memorial Day weekend.

Next year’s National Police Memorial Day will be held on 28 September at Coventry Cathedral.