Cambridgeshire Police Federation secretary Kevin Misik was among those remembering fallen officers at this year’s Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Service of Remembrance.
Kevin was joined by hundreds of others at the event, which took place on Sunday (9 August) at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Attended by loved ones of fallen colleagues, the annual service was an opportunity to honour those who have died in the line of duty while raising money for COPS – a charity that supports the families of police officers and staff who have lost their lives on duty.
“The service was incredibly moving,” said Kevin. “It is a significant event in the policing calendar, providing the entire police family with an opportunity to come together and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Being surrounded by so many loved ones who have experienced the devastating loss of a police officer was deeply emotional. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that losing a loved one in policing can have.
“It was also clear just how vital COPS’ support is. For the families of fallen officers, knowing there is an organisation standing alongside them, offering support and understanding when they need it most, is truly invaluable.”
The service also marked the end of this year’s Police Unity Tour (PUT), a yearly three-day cycling challenge that raises money for COPS. A total of 12 riders – plus a support crew of two – represented the Cambridgeshire Chapter, which was led by Caroline Scully.
Riders from across England and Wales set off from their home force areas on Friday to Drayton Manor in Staffordshire to be greeted by the families of fallen officers.
From there, they travelled to the arboretum on Sunday – totting up hundreds of miles in aid of charity. They were led by the Blue Knights – the world’s largest law enforcement motorcycle club, as they completed the last leg of their journey ahead of the service.
Gill Marshall, COPS president, opened the service. This was followed by a reading from Katie Hull, the daughter of Hertfordshire Police Constable Ronald Hull, who was killed by a speeding car on this day in 1989.
Joanne Woodward, sister of South Wales Police Sergeant Mark Woodward, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2002, also shared her story.
After Joanne’s reading, Gill Marshall read the Roll of Honour – the names of officers who have died in the line of duty since last year’s service:
- Police Constable Marcus Bennett, of Civil Nuclear Constabulary, who died on 30 January 2025
- Police Constable Francis Hawkins, of Metropolitan Police, who died on 11 February 2025
- Police Constable Ian Minett, of Gloucestershire Constabulary, who died on 21 June 2025
- Police Constable Faizaan Najeeb, of Northamptonshire Police, who died on 26 September 2025
- Police Constable Mathew Parker, of Essex Police, who died on 19 November 2025
- Police Constable Bradley Corke, of Kent Police, who died on 21 March 2026
- Police Constable Mark Chester, of Ministry of Defence Police, who died on 2 May 2026
- Police Constable Jess Turnbull, of Northumbria Police, who died on 10 June 2026
- Police Constable Alice Slominska, of Bedfordshire Police, who died on 17 July 2026.
A minute’s silence followed and then wreaths were laid by for the Office of the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, the High Sheriff’s Office, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the College of Policing, the Blue Knights, the Police Unity Tour, the National Memorial Arboretum and COPS.
The final reading was from Ella Dent, the stepdaughter of Metropolitan Police Constable Chris Dent, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2009.
Attendees heard music performed by the West Midlands Police Brass Band and West Midlands Superintendent Sam Batey.
Chief Constable Sir John Robins QPM DL, from the COPS Chair of Trustees, closed the service. Families and guests then made their way to The Beat, an avenue of trees dedicated to individual forces and officers, to lay wreaths and single red roses.