Fallen colleagues remembered at National Police Memorial Day

NATIONAL Police Memorial Day means a lot to the families of fallen colleagues, and it is crucial that the police service continues to gather every year to honour their memories.

Hampshire Police Federation Chair Zoë Wakefield and Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney joined 2,000 members of the police family in Belfast for this year’s service on Sunday 25 September.

Zoë said: “It is so important that we remember all our fallen officers, no matter whether it was a few years ago or a long, long time ago. We need to always remember them and the sacrifice that they’ve made.

“It is vital that we come every single year because it means so much to the families. It is so poignant being here in Belfast, and it is really humbling how many officers Northern Ireland lost. It really opens your eyes to how difficult it is policing over here.”

CC Pinkney added: “However anyone fell in the course of their duty – officers, staff or volunteer – it matters and it’s important that we spend a moment together across the UK remembering.

“It is something that the Police Federation have really championed alongside the Constabulary. We have a memorial garden where people can go and have a quiet reflection. We also have a memorial wall with every name of anyone who lost their life in the course of duty.

“It matters and it matters enormously, and we take real pride and care of that. And you see new officers watching and looking at them. We all have to remember who went before us.”

Members of the Royal family, who would normally attend the service, were absent as they are still in mourning for HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The names of officers who lost their lives over the past year were read out at the event by Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation of Northern Ireland. They are: PC Daniel Golding, of the Met; PC Craig Higgins, of Greater Manchester Police; PC Alex Prentice, of Northamptonshire Police, and PC Darryl Street, of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who gave a reading during the service, said: “To all the officers who lost their lives while working to keep us safe, we thank you and we honour you.

“Their bravery and commitment to their duty was unfaltering – society owes them and their loved ones a debt we cannot repay, but it is one we will not forget.

“As Home Secretary I make a promise to give police the powers and tools they need to do their jobs safely.”

During the service, candles were lit by relatives in remembrance of officers throughout the country who have lost their lives – one from each of the four nations of the UK.

Representing Northern Ireland was Stephen Wylie-Young, son of Constable William Raymond Wylie QPM. Stephen was just six months old when his father was murdered.

Representing Wales was Sgt Lowri Davies, daughter of PC Terence John Davies, of Gwent Police.

Representing Scotland was George Barnsley, friend and colleague of DS William Ross Hunt, of Strathclyde Police.

And representing England was Kathryn Dumphreys, widow of PC Nick Dumphreys, of Cumbria Police.

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