Fed rep ‘honoured’ to represent branch at annual memorial service

2 October 2025

West Mercia Police Federation representative Sergeant Rob 'Swoosh' Seewoosaha has spoken of the honour and pride felt in representing the branch at this year’s National Police Memorial Day service.

Held at Coventry Cathedral for the first time in the event’s 21-year history, the service brought together officers, families, dignitaries and Federation representatives from across the UK.

Representing West Mercia Police Force was Chief Constable Richard Cooper.

“National Police Memorial Day is, without doubt, one of the most important dates in the policing calendar,” said Rob.

“It ensures that we never forget the bravery and sacrifice of colleagues who gave their lives in service to their forces and the public. Just as importantly, it allows us to stand shoulder to shoulder with their loved ones and show them that their loss is remembered by the entire policing family.

Privilege

“It was a privilege to represent West Mercia Police Federation at such a moving service.”

During the ceremony, Tiff Lynch, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) read aloud the names of the seven officers who had died in the past 12 months:

• PC Ian Minett, 38, Gloucestershire Constabulary

• PC Michael Bruce, 48, Metropolitan Police

• PC Frank Hawkins, 52, Metropolitan Police

• PC Marcus Bennett, 44, Civil Nuclear Constabulary

• PC Rosie Prior, 45, North Yorkshire Police

• DC Karen Smith, 49, Humberside Police

• PC Faizaan Najeeb, 24, Northamptonshire Police, who died just two days before the service.

The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood gave a Bible reading from The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12), while Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp read from Colossians 3:12–17. An address was delivered by the Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, Bishop of Coventry, while the congregation was welcomed by The Very Reverend John Wit, Dean of Coventry, and the Lord Mayor, Rachel Lancaster. Music was provided by the West Midlands Police Band, The Big Sing Community Choir and the Choir of Coventry Cathedral.

West Mercia Police Federation representative Sergeant
Rob 'Swoosh' Seewoosaha and Chief Constable Richard Cooper

Prayers were led by representatives of the Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faiths, and heartfelt readings were delivered by relatives of fallen officers, including Daniel Rodgers, who attended with his mother to mark the 50th anniversary of his father PC Ian Rodgers’s death in 1975.

An act of remembrance saw candles lit for each nation of the UK. Those who took part included:

• For England, Kelly Swindells and her one-year-old daughter Mabel, remembering DC Michael Swindells QGM (West Midlands).

• For Ireland, Peter Olphert, remembering RC John Robinson Olphert (RUC).

• For Wales, Lowri MacArthur, remembering PC Terry Davies (Gwent).

• And for Scotland, Linsey Dempsey, remembering PC Stuart Simpson (Strathclyde).

Fallen officers

The service also featured prayers from serving officers and police family members, before the peace bell was sounded, petals of remembrance fell, and the Last Post and Reveille were played. The congregation then joined together in singing the National Anthem.

Families of five fallen officers were presented with the newly introduced Elizabeth Emblem, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, recognising those who died undertaking public service.

More than 5,000 officers have lost their lives in the line of duty in the past 180 years, but the National Police Memorial Day itself was first established in 2001 by retired Kent Inspector Joe Holness OBE QPM, following the death of his colleague PC Jon Odell. The inaugural service took place in 2004 at St Paul’s Cathedral, London.

National Police Memorial Day 2026 will be held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Sunday 27 September.

READ MORE: West Mercia launches Crowdfunder to cover rising costs.