Police officers who have died on duty were remembered with fondness and fun – and no shortage of emotion – by their family and friends at the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Annual Service of Remembrance.
Surviving family members and serving police officers of all ranks gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday August 9 to pay respects to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The service in Staffordshire – bathed in scorching sunshine – was attended by more than 1,000 people.
Events took place all weekend for surviving family members.
Sir John Robins, Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, who is also the Chair of Trustees of the COPS charity, said: “We’ve gathered here today for both remembrance and care. Remembering those officers and staff who’ve lost their lives but also caring for their survivors.
“The Care of Police Survivors is a charity based and instigated by survivors, run by survivors, for survivors. So policing and the families are coming together today to help, care and remember.
“I think we all need to take time out to think about the magnitude of the job we do, the public service we do, and to remember those who we’ve lost. But we also need to remember their families, whether it be 12 months ago, 20 years ago, 40 years ago. Those families are still grieving, and I think it’s our duty and our privilege in policing to support and help them.”
He added “The overwhelming majority of the public do support us and they do feel for us, but we need to support those families whose [loved ones] stepped out of their house that day and never returned. That’s our job as serving officers, retired officers, staff and policing, to help them, help those families deal with their grief and never forget their loved ones.”
More than 4,500 police officers have died on duty in the United Kingdom while protecting the public.
During the one hour service on Sunday, survivors recalled their loss and how the charity had helped them in their time of need.
A daughter of fallen Hertfordshire Police officer – who has since gone on to join the force and have his collar number – a step daughter of a Metropolitan Police officer and a sister of a South Wales Police officer who died on duty spoke with emotion and humour recalling their loved one.
The Roll of Honour for the police officers and who died on duty during the last 12 months was read out.
Those remembered this year were PC Marcus Bennett, of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary; PC Francis Hawkins, of the Metropolitan Police; PC Ian Minett, of Gloucestershire Constabulary; PC Faizaan Najeeb, of Northamptonshire Police; PC Matthew Parker, of Essex Police; PC Bradley Corke, of Kent Police; PC Mark Chester, of the MOD Police; PC Jess Turnbull, of Northumbria Police; and PC Alice Slominska, of Bedfordshire Police.
Before the Service of Remembrance, The Police Unity Tour – over 500 cyclists who had ridden from across the country to the Arboretum in memory of fallen officers – arrived.
The cyclists raise money for the COPS charity – this year in excess of £250,000.
Also attending the Service of Remembrance were the Blue Knights motorcyclists.
Music on the day was provided by the West Midlands Police Brass Band.