Fallen Officers Remembered At National Police Memorial Day

24 September 2023

Thousands of police officers who have died on duty have been honoured at the annual National Police Memorial Day.

Members of the police family gathered in Cardiff on Sunday 24 September, to honour more than 5,000 officers who have lost their lives on duty.

Sarah Ennis, Secretary of Wiltshire Police Federation, said: “It’s very important we remember our fallen officers, and just looking out for people’s welfare.

“I think that’s something that we miss at the moment, and on the back of this we still remember and that gives us a trigger to make sure that we look after the troops that are still serving at the moment as well.

“I do believe it’s very important to have it annually. Also, for new recruits that are coming forward, and their families, knowing that we do look after our own. It’s not just about November for fallen troops from the wars, it’s also police officers. We do need to remember them. It’s very important.”

The names of those officers who had died in the past year were read out. They are PCSO Daniel Gower, of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary; Sgt Steven Creal, of Sussex Police; PC Richard Kemp, of Lancashire Constabulary; PC Bruce Lister, of Hertfordshire Constabulary; PC Neil Pattinson, of Northumbria Police; PC Andrew Boardman, of West Mercia Police; Insp Gareth Earp, of Dyfed-Powys Police; and Sgt Graham Saville, of Nottinghamshire Police.

During the service, candles were lit for officers in each of the four nations. Representing Wales was Dorothy Ellis, mother of PC Adrian Ellis, of Gwent Police, who died aged 29 on 27 September 1989 as a result of a road traffic collision.

Representing Scotland was David Taylor, son of PC George Taylor, of Strathclyde Police, who died aged 27 on 30 November 1976 after being attacked with an axe.

Representing England was Sid Mackay, father of PC Nina Mackay, of the Metropolitan Police, who died aged 25 on 24 October 1997 having been stabbed by a wanted man. She was posthumously awarded the Commissioner’s High Commendation for Bravery.

Representing Northern Ireland were Mervyn and Dorothy Reynolds, parents of Constable Philippa Reynolds, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who died aged 27 on 9 February 2013 after the police vehicle in which she was a passenger was struck by a stolen vehicle.

The service also heard a reading First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.