Cambridgeshire Police Federation chair Liz groom says the National Police Memorial Day is a chance to show support for the families of fallen colleagues.
This year’s service takes place at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast at 2pm on Sunday (25 September). It will be the first time in two years that Covid restrictions will be lifted and everyone will be able to pay their respects in person.
Liz said: “The National Police Memorial Day is one of the most important dates in the policing calendar. It gives us all a chance to come together and show our respect for our fallen colleagues and to give our support to their families and loved ones.”
Liz will represent Cambridgeshire Police Federation at the service and will be joined by PC Ian Swales and his wife Sue, a DC with the Force, who do a great deal for the Force memorial event. This will be Ian’s last one as he retires in December.
Ian’s crew partner Andy Newbury was killed 19 years ago after being struck by a car while dealing with something on the hard shoulder of the A1(M). Ian was away on his driving course at the time , but still attends in memory of Andy
The memorial day includes a tribute wall for people to add their own messages remembering fallen colleagues.
Liz said: “There’s still time to add your message and I hope as many members as possible will take the chance to do so.”
National Police Memorial Day was first held in 2004 and has been held at the end of September each year since. It rotates around England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
It provides a dignified and sensitive service of remembrance to honour the courage and ultimate sacrifice of the almost 4,000 police officers who have been killed on duty.
Federation representatives, chief officers and the Home Secretary usually join the families of fallen officers at the service.