Thousands of police officers who have died on duty were honoured at the 22nd annual National Police Memorial Day.
Members of the police family gathered in Coventry on Sunday 28 September, to honour around 5,000 officers who have lost their lives on duty.
The names of those officers who have died in the past year were read out. They are PC Ian Minett, of Gloucestershire Constabulary; PC Michael Bruce and PC Frank Hawkins, both of the Metropolitan Police; PC Marcus Bennett, of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary; PC Rosie Prior, of North Yorkshire Police; and DC Karen Smith, of Humberside Police.
Also remembered was PC Faizaan Najeeb, of Northamptonshire Police, who died from injuries sustained on duty on Friday (26 September).
Suzanne Smith, Vice-Chair of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, said: “Policing remains a really, really tricky job and I think it’s really important for all of us to come together and to remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities.
“Every day across the UK, particularly in Scotland where my heart lives, people are going out to do their very best to try and keep their communities safe. And unfortunately, not everyone comes home because what they’re asked to do is very, very challenging.
“They’re making quick-time decisions. They’re faced with hostility and violence on some occasions, and they’re working 24/7 in all sorts of weather conditions, dealing with really high tariff incidents, and they don’t always come home to their loved ones.
“And I think it’s important that we take the time to recognise that because without moments like this, we just roll on to the next incident.
“So it’s a really important moment for the families, for the local community and ultimately the police family to come together to remember those who’ve made that ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their communities.
“I’ve been in policing for 28 years but it’s moments like this that really catch you. The stories, the families, the children of people who’ve lost their lives.
“And we’re here today to remember those people and thank them because policing is remarkable because of them. People have come from all over the world to come and remember. And it’s important that we carry those memories forward and never forget those that have lost their lives.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood gave a reading at the service, as did Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and PFEW Chair Tiff Lynch.
During the service, candles were lit for officers in each of the four nations.
Lighting the candle for England was Kelly Swindells and her daughter Mabel, in memory of Kelly’s father DC Michael Swindells QGM, of West Midlands Police. DC Swindells was fatally stabbed by an armed suspect he was pursuing. Mabel was born on the 20th anniversary of his death.
Lighting the candle for Northern Ireland was Peter Olphert, in memory of his father Constable John Robinson Olphert, of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Constable Olphert was fatally shot by terrorist gunmen while off duty.
Lighting the candle for Scotland was Linsey Dempsey, in memory of her father PC Stuart Simpson, of Strathclyde Police. PC Simpson died when his police car was struck head on by a car going the wrong way on a motorway.
And lighting the candle for Wales was Lowri MacArthur, in memory of her father PC Terry Davies, of Gwent Police. PC Davies was killed after being struck by a stolen car that failed to stop as he cycled home from duty.
The families of six officers who have died in the line of duty were awarded the Elizabeth Emblem during the service. They are the families of PC Royston Jerred, of Sussex Police; Sgt Noel Lane and PC Mark Peers, both of the Metropolitan Police; PC Andrew Le Comte, of West Midlands Police; PC Ian Rodgers, of Greater Manchester Police; and PC Dennis Smith, of Devon and Cornwall Police.
At the end of the service, the Last Post was sounded, and petals in remembrance of all the officers who have lost their lives were distributed to the congregation.