Chair attends poignant National Police Memorial Day service
25 September 2023
West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke has attended this year’s National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) service to commemorate colleagues who have died in the line of duty.
The ceremony, which was in its 20th year and took place in Cardiff, was particularly poignant for the branch as it came just two days after the tragic death of West Midlands Sergeant Paul Frear.
Rich, who described Paul as a “lovely and supportive officer, who had a great sense of humour”, stood alongside police chiefs, politicians and religious leaders as well as the families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers at the service yesterday (24 September).
Rich said: “The National Police Memorial Day service is always a very moving and emotional occasion but had an added poignancy this year because it came so soon after the death of one of our members.
Branch chair Rich Cooke (right) with Chief Constable Craig Guildford.
“Our thoughts and prayers were with Paul’s loved ones throughout the service and we are here to offer them our continued support.”
Joining Rich at the event was Chief Constable Craig Guildford, along with the family of West Midlands Police Officer Ryan Hunt, 31, who died in 2006.
“National Police Memorial Day allows us the time and space for reflection on the sacrifices made by colleagues and is one of the most significant, important dates on the policing calendar," added Rich.
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, Home Secretary Suella Braverman and shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper attended the service and each gave a reading.
National police chaplain and NPMD co-ordinator, the Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE welcomed the congregation.
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.”
The Act of Remembrance saw candles, one from each of the four nations in the UK, 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.
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 included:
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
PC Andrew Boardman, West Mercia 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.
