Cambridgeshire Police Federation chair Liz Groom
Cambridgeshire Police Federation chair Liz Groom says fallen police officers will never be forgotten after she took part in the annual National Police Memorial Day (NPMD).
Liz (pictured) joined police officers from across the UK, senior politicians and religious leaders, and families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers for an emotional service at the New Theatre in Cardiff on Sunday.
“It’s a day to come together to honour and remember our colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.
“We will remember them.”
Liz who was joined at the service by the Force’s Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Evans.
It began with a welcome from the Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE, the National Police Chaplain and NPMD co-ordinator.
He said: “Grief is a universal experience that affects all our lives and today we gather to support each other and pay tribute to those lost in service.”
Wales’s First Minister Mark Drakeford, the Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Yvette Cooper, the Shadow Home Secretary, each gave a reading.
Policing Minister Chris Philp, who also attended, said: “National Police Memorial Day is a time for us to remember the ultimate sacrifice that many have made to keep this country safe.
“Every single day the police put their lives at risk to protect us and we must not forget these daily acts of courage and bravery.”
The main address was given by Reverend Liam Bradley, Dyfed Powys Police’s lead chaplain, while the National Police Memorial Day’s director of music John Morgan, a retired Dyfed Powys Police officer, conducted the orchestra for the final time after 18 years.
The Act of Remembrance saw candles, one from each of the four nations in the UK, lit to remind people of the ‘undying flame of devotion and commitment, exemplified by those whom we remember today’.
Representing England was Sid Mackay, father of Metropolitan Police Constable Nina Mackay, 25, who died in 1997 after being stabbed by a wanted man.
Representing Wales was Dorothy Ellis, the mother of Gwent Police Constable Adrian Ellis, 29, who died in 1989 in a road traffic collision.
Scotland was represented by David Taylor, the son of Strathclyde Police Constable George Taylor, 27, who died in 1976 when he was attacked with an axe.
And representing Northern Ireland were Mervyn and Dorothy Reynolds, parents of Constable Philippa Reynolds, 27, who died in 2013 following a road traffic collision.
Nicky Ryan, Welsh lead for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW). read out the names of the officers who have lost their lives during the past year.
This year’s Roll of Honour included:
Police Community Support Officer Daniel William Gower, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Sergeant Steven Creal, Sussex Police
PC Richard James Joseph Kemp, Lancashire Constabulary
PC Bruce Lister, Hertfordshire Constabulary
PC Neil Pattinson, Northumbria Police
PC Andrew Boardman, West Mercia Police
Inspector Gareth Earp, Dyfed Powys Police
Sergeant Graham Saville, Nottinghamshire Police
Sergeant Paul Frear, West Midlands Police
“We give thanks to God for their courage and their dedication,” said Nicky, as petals of remembrance fell, representing those who have lost their lives.
This was followed by audience members standing in silence, as the orchestra played ‘Abide with Me’ and the Last Post sounded.
The service finished with the national anthems of Wales and the UK.
The National Police Memorial Day will take place in Glasgow next year.