Chief: “We are standing on the shoulders of giants”

NATIONAL Police Memorial Day is about “standing on the shoulders of giants” and remembering the sacrifices made by brave officers.

Steve Kavanagh, Chief Constable of Essex Police, said the country should better recognise the sacrifices of officers who have died in the line of duty.

Speaking at National Police Memorial Day in Edinburgh, CC Kavanagh said: “Today is about us standing on the shoulders of giants, it’s about remembering Bill Bishop, Ian Dibell, Jo Jennings, and all of those other officers who did make that ultimate sacrifice.

“This country needs to better recognise the sacrifices that are made every single day for the good of local communities, and I’m proud to be here with the Federation to remember those that have gone before, from every force across the UK.”

More than 1,200 police officers of all ranks, politicians and families of fallen officers attended the service on 27 September.

Phil Suarez, Deputy Secretary of Essex Police Federation, paid tribute to Sue Bishop, the widow of Essex Police fallen officer Bill Bishop. Sue sadly died a few weeks before the event.

Mr Suarez (pictured right with Federation Secretary Monty Montgomery and Chief Constable Steve Kavanagh) said: “I’m very proud to represent the force here. Particularly poignant because we’re meant to have Sue Bishop, Bill Bishop’s widow, here with us but unfortunately she passed away. It’s very sad, so our thoughts are with Dave [her son] and the family.”

He added: “We should also remember that today is about remembering and giving thanks to all our other colleagues that, day in day out, put their lives on the line and try and do their best for the people of Essex.”