A permanent memorial to the UK’s fallen police officers and staff will be unveiled during a special ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire today (Wednesday 28 July).
The new UK Police Memorial honours the courage and sacrifice of all those from across the police service who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting their communities.
Hundreds of guests including civic dignitaries, senior politicians, representatives from all police forces across the country, policing charities and the families and friends of officers killed on duty will attend the ceremony.
Chief Constable Nick Dean will represent the Force along with PC Ian Swales from the road policing unit.
Cambridgeshire Police Federation chair Liz Groom said: “Our members put themselves at risk every day when they go to work to keep our communities safe and do so with the utmost dedication and professionalism.
“This new memorial gives special recognition to those who have lost their lives in the line duty and to whom we all owe so much.”
UK Police Memorial chair of trustees Sir Hugh Orde said: “After seven years of fund-raising and 12 months of construction, we can finally dedicate this beautiful and iconic memorial that pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all those police officers and staff who have paid the ultimate price.
“The 12-metre-tall brass memorial, with its leaf shaped apertures representing courage, sacrifice and lives lost, is set within a beautifully landscaped area, and has been designed for ceremony, tribute and personal acts of reflection.
“As a nation, we owe all those who have laid down their lives to keep us safe and protect us from harm a huge debt of gratitude. This memorial will ensure that the memory of those officers and staff who have died lives on in perpetuity.”
He added: “This is a place that will not only honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women from our police service, but it will become a fitting tribute to honour all those who continue to serve.”
The National Memorial Arboretum is the nation’s place of year-round remembrance. It is home to almost 400 memorials, including the National Armed Forces Memorial, and attracts more than 300,000 visitors per year.
You can watch the unveiling of the new memorial live online through www.ukpolicememorial.org.