The 20th Scottish Police Memorial Trust Service of Remembrance took place at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, on Wednesday, 4 September, where seven new names were added to the roll of honour.
The memorial stones, which are based on the grounds of Tulliallan, now bear 344 names of officers who passed away while on duty, dating back to 1812.
This year’s additions to the wall represent former police services in Glasgow, Perth and Kinross-shire, Argyllshire, Dunfermline, and the Burgh of Leith in Edinburgh.
Tribute was also paid to Reverend Dr Georgie Baxendale, following her passing in February this year. Dr Baxendale had previously led the memorial service each year since its inception.
Stewart Carle, General Secretary of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, said: “ASPS was pleased to be invited to attend the annual remembrance service, the 20th year, hosted by the Scottish Police Memorial Trust at Police Scotland HQ, Tulliallan, where our Vice President, Supt Suzanne Smith laid a wreath.
“Also in attendance were General Secretary Stewart Carle and ASPS Research Officer, Insp Chris Sewell who represented ASPS at the recent COPS event at the National Memorial Arboretum.
“The Service, attended by most of the Local Policing Commanders from across Scotland was as always, a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifices that police officers and police staff make to keep our communities safe.
“Dozens of the Service’s newest recruits stood smartly to attention as representatives of policing joined Angela Constance MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs to lay their wreaths at the monument wall.
“The remembrance service also provided a timely opportunity to remember with fondness, the late, great Reverend Dr. Georgie Baxendale, police chaplain to the Scottish Police College who gave her love and support to the extended police family over twenty years and more.”
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “This annual service of remembrance is a significant date in the policing calendar each year. It allows us to reflect on those who are no longer with us and the significant contributions they made – not only while in uniform, but in their everyday lives.
“Those whose names are engraved on our memorial stones were not just a police officer. They were a beloved family member or friend, and it is important that we remember them here today, together.”
Christine Fulton MBE, co-founder of the Scottish Police Memorial Trust, whose husband PC Lewis Fulton was killed on duty in Glasgow in 1994, said: “The annual service of remembrance is an important and poignant event, for the loved ones of the officers we honour, and for the police family as a whole.
“By adding the names of officers who have passed to our roll of honour and memorial stones, we are helping to ensure they will be remembered, and respected, for generations to come.”