NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL DAY


officers and families from across the globe that makes the day so unique. The day began with a police parade, where more than 40 force standards from around the UK marched from George Square to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Officers from the UK and overseas formed a guard of honour, further symbolising the unity and shared purpose of law enforcement worldwide. In a moving tribute, Police Scotland arranged for a flyover, a fitting salute to the sacrifices made by the fallen officers. The service of remembrance was not


just a reflection of loss but also of courage, commitment, and pride. As Bryn Hughes described it: “I’d say emotional-wise it is a proud, very proud, moment, not forgetting what this day represents but it’s still a proud moment to represent the memory of Nicola on this day.” His words echoed the sentiments of many present standing alongside other families, all bound by a shared sense of grief, but also of pride. “Standing alongside other family members is just so comforting and supportive. We’re all here for the same reason; we’ve all got very, very similar stories so in that respect, I think you prop each other up,” Mr Hughes added. This years’ service also


serve in our police forces throughout the United Kingdom,” he said. “Every life lost in the line of duty is one we remember, and this event allows us to honour all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while keeping us safe. We also recognise the loss felt by loved ones of those brave and committed officers, and they are in my thoughts.” During the service, family members of fallen officers participated in poignant tributes. Candles were lit in remembrance of officers from each of the four nations of the UK: Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. These symbolic acts were carried out by relatives of officers whose deaths have left a mark on their communities.


Lighting the candle for Scotland –


Margaret Collins, mother and Helen Cruddis, sister of Police Constable Anthony (Tony) Collins, 43 years, Police Service of Scotland, died 29 November


memorial concluded with a symbolic gesture as petals of remembrance, representing all officers who have died in the line of duty, descended from the gallery, accompanied by the Last Post. For families, the ceremony was a


“Today is about unity. It’s an opportunity where we gather together with a sense of unity. We remember, and we honour those who have given their all.”


marked the anniversary of the Chinook helicopter tragedy on the Mull of Kintyre, where multiple police lives were lost. A wreath was laid in memory of those who perished in air disasters, tragedies that have affected many within the police force, particularly on Scottish soil. National Police Memorial Day, which was first established in 2004, serves not only as a day of remembrance but also as a formal recognition of those who have given their lives to protect others. Reverend Matthew Hopley, the national police chaplain, welcomed the guests with words that set the tone for the day: “Today is about unity. It’s an opportunity where we gather together with a sense of unity. We remember, and we honour those who have given their all.” These words resonated throughout the event, as the community came together to remember the fallen, but also to draw strength from one another. Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, also paid tribute to the fallen, acknowledging the remarkable courage of officers from all over the UK. “It is a huge privilege for Scotland to be hosting this important event to pay tribute to the remarkable courage of individuals who


22 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2024


2013 when a police helicopter crashed into the roof of the Clutha bar in Glasgow. Lighting the candle for England – Luke


Ratana, son of Police Sergeant Matiu (Matt) Ratana, 54 years, Metropolitan Police, died 25 September 2020 after being fatally shot in Croydon Custody Centre. Lighting the candle for Northern Ireland – Jill Davidson, wife of Detective Superintendent Philip Davidson, 45 years, Royal Ulster Constabulary GC, died 2 June 1994 when the RAF Chinook helicopter crashed on the Mull of Kintyre. Lighting the candle for Wales – Rob Jones, brother, and Chris Milne-Jones, sister of Police Constable Ralph Jones, 34 years, North Wales Police, died 13 July 1999 as the result of a road traffic incident while on a training course. The service also honoured officers who


lost their lives in the past year. As David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, read the names of Sergeant Graham Saville, Nottinghamshire Police; Sergeant Paul Frear, West Midlands Police; Constable Jack Cummings, West Yorkshire Police; and Acting Sergeant Reece Buckenham, Hertfordshire Constabulary, the weight of their loss was palpable. The


powerful reminder that their loved ones’ sacrifices will never be forgotten. Bryn Hughes reflected on this significance: “It was announced in March the Elizabeth Emblem will be presented to those families with a Royal Warrant. Sadly, we were hoping that the first ones would be presented at the weekend, at this memorial weekend. That wasn’t to be, so we’re still pushing forward on something similar to let those families receive those emblems quite rightly. I can imagine family members being here today wearing that emblem representing their loved ones would be an immense feeling of pride.” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also offered her reflections during the service, saying: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Her words highlighted the selflessness inherent in the role of every police officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice. The National Police


Memorial Day charity, which ensures those who have died in the line of duty are never forgotten, holds the records of officers who have made this sacrifice, dating back to 1545. As Canon David Wilbraham MBE, chair of the Police Remembrance Trust, noted: “It is important for those serving across policing today that in recognising courage, commitment, integrity, service, bravery, self-giving, and sacrifice that should they pay the ultimate costly price of their Oath of Allegiance, they will never be forgotten.” National Police Memorial Day serves not only as a time for reflection but also as a powerful reminder of the bravery and commitment shown by officers across the country and beyond. It is a day where the policing community comes together, offering solace and support to families, and ensuring the fallen are always remembered. It is, as their motto states, a time to say, “Lest we forget”.


For more information on National Police Memorial Day and to find out how you can support this important cause, visit www.policememorial.org.uk


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