“An opportunity to remember fallen police officer colleagues”

NATIONAL Police Memorial Day ensures sacrifices by fallen officers and their families left behind are never forgotten, Essex Police Federation has said.

Monty Montgomery, Secretary of Essex Police Federation, said the event – now in its eleventh year – enables officers to “remember all of our fallen comrades from Essex.” Mr Montgomery is pictured (left) with the federation’s contingent, and DCC Derek Benson, in Belfast.

Mr Montgomery said: “We are here to remember our colleagues who have fallen whilst in the line of duty. Whilst it is a celebration of their lives, we are also celebrating their values and the values of the office of constable.

“The families get the opportunity to remember. It is very much an opportunity for them to get together and to remember what it was that their family members died for.

“We in Essex normally bring a couple of families to the event – the families of Bill Bishop and Jo-Ann Jennings – unfortunately they cannot be here this year but that does not mean that we are not remembering them.

“We should remember all of our fallen comrades from Essex.”

Steve White chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Today is a poignant and significant day for the policing family as police officers throughout the United Kingdom gather together to pay tribute to our fallen colleagues. Their dedication to duty and self-sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Terry Spence, chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, said: “National Police Memorial Day is a solemn event, one when we can all quietly reflect, remember and honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. By our actions, we will ensure that their legacy will not be forgotten.”

Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable George Hamilton said: “Today we join relatives, friends and colleagues of fallen officers to show that their commitment to protecting their community has not and will never be forgotten.

“Every day thousands of our officers are out on the streets across Northern Ireland keeping people safe.  The memorial service is a reminder to us all that in preventing harm, protecting people and bringing offenders to justice, these brave men and women sometimes pay the ultimate sacrifice.

“It has been a privilege for the Police Service of Northern Ireland to have been able to welcome so many visitors to Belfast for this year’s National Police Memorial Day.”