Families, friends, colleagues, and senior officials gathered to remember and honour over 5,000 police officers from across the UK who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The 20th Annual Police Memorial Day service was held at the New Theatre in Cardiff and was attended by dignitaries including Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Policing Minister Chris Philp.
The service saw families of officers who have lost their lives on duty light a candle representing all those who have died from police forces in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Dorothy Ellis, mother of 29-year-old Gwent PC Adrian Bryn Ellis, lit the candle representing police forces in Wales. Her son, PC Ellis died on 27th September 1989 following a road traffic collision.
David Taylor, son of 27-year-old PC George William Chree Taylor lit the candle representing Scotland. George died after being attacked with an axe on duty in November 1976.
Sid Mackay, Father of PC Nina Alexandra Mackay lit the candle representing England. PC Mackay was 25 years old when she was fatally stabbed by a wanted man in 1997. She was posthumously awarded the Commissioner’s High Commendation for Bravery.
Mervyn and Dorothy Reynolds, parents of PC Phillipa Reynolds lit the candle representing Northern Ireland. The 27-year-old died when the police vehicle she was a passenger in was struck by a stolen vehicle in February 2013.
This years’ service recognised and honoured police officers who died over the past year, including Nottinghamshire Police Sergeant Graham Saville. The father of two was hit by a train in February this year whilst helping a distressed man on the tracks. He died from his injuries surrounded by his family in hospital. His tragic death sent shockwaves through the policing family and tributes poured in from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Home Secretary, Suella Braverman and Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley.
David Wilbraham.
Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE, National Police Co-ordinator said: “Grief is a universal experience that affects all our lives and today we gathered to support each other and pay tribute to those lost in service.”
“National Police Memorial Day is widely recognised as a time to join in solidarity to honour loved and lost in service – those who gave their all for us to enjoy the safer societies we have today.
“Today we honoured and remembered over 5,000 officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice serving the crown. Their sacrifice, bravery and dedication will never be forgotten.”
Gavin Stephens, Chair, National Police Chiefs’ Council said: “On behalf of National Police Chiefs’ Council, I want to give thanks to all of those who make police memorial day possible.
“It’s so important for us to remember our fallen colleagues and to demonstrate those who show bravery every day that they will always be in our thoughts.”
South Wales Police Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan said: “It is a real honour to be welcoming colleagues from across the country to Cardiff for the annual National Police Memorial Day – a chance for us all to take some time to reflect and pay tribute.
“Remembering those who have died, and showing our heartfelt gratitude for their service, is of huge significance and importance to us as a police family, and National Police Memorial Day helps us to do exactly that.
“We must not, and will not, forget those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I know that this year’s memorial day will have added resonance for many colleagues both here in Wales and right across the UK, and we have been all too frequently reminded of the selflessness, dedication and self-sacrifice which members of the police service display each and every day on behalf of others.”
Photography by ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY EVENTS.
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