Fed member looks back on ‘vital’ Police Unity Tour and COPS Service of Remembrance

11 August 2026

The National Memorial Arboretum hosted this year’s Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Service of Remembrance over the weekend to honour the lives of fallen officers and mark a poignant end to the 2026 Police Unity Tour (PUT).

Thousands were in attendance at the arboretum for the annual service yesterday (Sunday 9 August), including the family and friends of officers who have died in the line of duty.

Also present were the participants of the PUT, who arrived after completing the final leg of their charity bike ride raising money and awareness for the work of COPS.

 

A floral tribute to fallen West Mercia officers at the National Memorial Arboretum

 

Four West Mercia Police personnel cycled as part of the West Midlands chapter of the event and were this year in charge of organising the ride for the entire unit.

One of these four individuals was Federation member PC Jamie Guest, who shared his pride at being involved in a ‘crucially important’ weekend for the memories of late colleagues.

Speaking at the arboretum, he said: “It’s absolutely vital that these few days take place both for fallen officers and to raise money for COPS – there’s no other word to describe it.

Fallen officers

“The service really brings it all home, when you sit here and listen to stories of mums and dads who have gone to work for the day and not come back – especially when you have your own family present with you.

“Both of my sons are here today, and as it’s now my fourth year on the PUT, I think they understand it all more. They sit more patiently to listen to the stories [of fallen officers] and I think they can appreciate it more now.”

Jamie went on to discuss the PUT ride itself, describing it as ‘always a challenge’ to complete 200 miles of cycling in the space of three days.

“You could be a keen cyclist, but this is still not something you would do every day. Each time you get back on the saddle after a stop, whether it’s for food, drink or a mechanical issue, is that little bit harder to get back going again – but it is all worth it in the end, of course,” he added.

Force staff member Jon Strelitz took the lead with the planning of the chapter’s route, which covered all four of its force regions in West Mercia, West Midlands, Warwickshire and Staffordshire. 

Support crew

Jon said: “My main aim was for everyone involved, both riders and support crew, to leave with a memorable and enjoyable experience across all three days. From that perspective, the event was a great success. 

“It was a real honour to represent the Force as chapter leaders, and the service itself never fails to make an impact. The survivors' stories, the shared reflection and the presence of so many officers, staff and families together, all brings home what the PUT is all about: unity, remembrance and honouring those we have lost.” 

After PUT riders from across the country had reached the Arboretum, the Service of Remembrance got underway, being opened by COPS president Gill Marshall.

A reading then followed from Katie Hull, the daughter of Hertfordshire Police Constable Ronald Hull, who was killed by a speeding car on this day in 1989.

Joanne Woodward, sister of South Wales Police Sergeant Mark Woodward, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2002, also shared her story.  

Line of duty

The Roll of Honour was then read out, featuring the names of all officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year: 

• Police Constable Marcus Bennett, of Civil Nuclear Constabulary, who died on 30 January 2025

• Police Constable Francis Hawkins, of Metropolitan Police, who died on 11 February 2025

• Police Constable Ian Minett, of Gloucestershire Constabulary, who died on 21 June 2025

• Police Constable Faizaan Najeeb, of Northamptonshire Police, who died on 26 September 2025

• Police Constable Mathew Parker, of Essex Police, who died on 19 November 2025

• Police Constable Bradley Corke, of Kent Police, who died on 21 March 2026

• Police Constable Mark Chester, of Ministry of Defence Police, who died on 2 May 2026

• Police Constable Jess Turnbull, of Northumbria Police, who died on 10 June 2026

• Police Constable Alice Slominska, of Bedfordshire Police, who died on 17 July 2026.

A minute’s silence was also observed, followed by the laying of wreaths for the Office of the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, the High Sheriff’s Office, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the College of Policing, the Blue Knights, the Police Unity Tour, the National Memorial Arboretum and COPS. 

The final reading of the service was delivered by Ella Dent, the stepdaughter of Metropolitan Police Constable Chris Dent, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2009. 

Attendees then heard music performed by the West Midlands Police Brass Band and West Midlands Superintendent Sam Batey. 

Chief Constable Sir John Robins QPM DL, from the COPS Chair of Trustees, closed the service. Families and guests then made their way to The Beat, an avenue of trees dedicated to individual forces and officers, to lay wreaths and single red roses.

READ MORE: DCC Damian Barratt to ride PUT in memory of PC Andy Boardman.