Tributes to fallen colleagues at National Police Memorial Day

ESSEX Police Federation joined thousands of officers from across the UK to remember fallen colleagues.

Steve Taylor, Essex Police Federation Chairman, said the National Police Memorial Day, this year held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, is an important way to show support to the families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Also attending the Service were our Secretary Paul Squire- who took part in a Guard of Honour – and CC BJ Harrington.

“It’s a sombre occasion but it’s also a nice occasion for the families to get together, to reacquaint themselves with other families that are in the same position.

“It’s really important that we help them do that, we assist them and that they remember their loved ones and the loss that they’ve gone through and continue to go through.

“It’s also about the friendships and the bonds of the wider police family which still exist even though their loved one have passed on,” he added.

The National Police Memorial Day takes place in a different part of the country each year and Steve says that needs to be kept in place.

“It’s good that it tours the country and that it’s not London-centric, South East-centric,” he said.

“It’s good to be in Belfast remembering the particularly high sacrifice that colleagues in the Northern Irish police service have faced and paid over the years.

“So, it’s important that it travels the country and it’s vitally important that we do remember, every year, the reasons why we come together.”