NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL DAY
‘WE WILL REMEMBER HIM ALWAYS’
A specially commissioned memorial stone dedicated to the memory of Sergeant Matiu ‘Matt’ Ratana of the Metropolitan Police Service has been unveiled
On 25 September, a moving service honouring PS Ratana was held at the Custody Centre on Windmill Road, Croydon, with colleagues, friends and family of the fallen officer in attendance, alongside members of the Government, local MPs, senior police officers, local dignitaries as well as representatives of the national police staff associations. Sergeant Ratana was shot and killed by a detainee four years ago whilst on duty in his role as a Met custody sergeant.
coach and dedicated mentor to many young people. He spoke passionately to the teams he led on the importance of ‘Whānau’, the sacred Māori concept of family and community. The memorial stone now stands in the public area outside of the custody
why we continue to do what we do. “This stone with its double-sided design
“Matt was a unique man and to have known him was a privilege. The kind, thoughtful, genuine man who had time for everyone and anyone.”
Matt was born in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand and was of proud Māori descent. He moved to England in 1989, working as a police officer for nearly 30 years. Matt also served with New Zealand Police, joining the British High Commission Wing in 2003 and working in the Auckland City and Counties Manukau districts, before returning to the UK in 2008. Aside from his distinguished police service, Matt worked tirelessly as a rugby
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centre and has been provided by The Police Memorial Trust who also organised the event. Luke Ratana, Sergeant Ratana’s son, who
is a police officer in Australia, said: “The unique bond shared by colleagues in this line of work is like no other, we face dangers, challenges and stresses that few outside the force can truly understand. It is those friendships that become the foundation of
reflects that duality. To the public one side serves as a reminder of the sacrifice made in their service, but for the officers driving into and out of this place, it is a reminder of the risks we face and the camaraderie that sustains us.” Sergeant Ratana’s partner Su Bushby said: “Today is all about honour and celebration, but also filled with sorrow. Matt was a unique man and to have known him was a privilege. The kind, thoughtful,
genuine man who had time for everyone and anyone. “Throughout his career, Matt exemplified strength, dedication and leadership within his role, as demonstrated by the outpouring of love and tributes from his colleagues, friends, teammates and community. He was a great motivator and mentor to so many, contributing positively to those around
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