Tenth Police Memorial Day remembers fallen colleagues

PRINCE Charles led the congregation at the tenth National Police Memorial Day in Wales.

The event’s patron, the Prince joined around 1,500 police officers of all ranks, politicians and families of fallen officers at the annual event. Pictured at St David’s Hall in Cardiff are Sue Bishop – whose husband Bill was murdered on duty – and Roy Scanes, secretary of Essex Police Federation.

Prince Charles said: “Our courageous policemen and women routinely endure hazardous environments in order to defend us and protect all our freedoms.

“But there is nothing routine about the courage they display.

“They will never be forgotten and their proud legacy inspires us and will always live on.”

Mr Scanes said: “Today is important to me, the families and the general public in remembering the officers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives in the call of duty, serving and protecting the public.

“Personally it is a very humbling experience to attend such a day.”

Mrs Bishop, whose husband Acting Sgt Brian ‘Bill’ Bishop was murdered on duty in 1984, said: “The day is very important to survivors. You are not expecting that your partner goes out to work and does not come home again.

“It is very comforting to the survivors. We are thankful to the organisers, the Federation and the chief officers that attend every year.”

Home Secretary Theresa May and Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones, who said the sacrifice of officers would not be forgotten, both took part in the service, giving readings.

Ten police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty in the last 12 months had their names read out during the 80 minute service.

Steve Williams, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “The police service is a police family. Today it is very important that we come together as a family to pay our respects and remember the men and women who paid the ultimate price in giving their lives to protect the public and their communities.

“We shall never forget their sacrifice and it is important that we hold this event every year – and the public are given a timely reminder of how dangerous policing can actually be.”

National Police Memorial Day was founded in 2004 by Sgt Joe Holness QPM.

Sgt Holness said around 4,000 police officers had given their lives in the line of duty since modern policing records began in 1792.

“There are between 10 and 15 fallen officers every year,” he said. “It is not too much to ask for one day a year to be set aside to remember their commitment to the public.

“I am extremely proud and extremely humbled that today we reach a milestone with our tenth anniversary. We were honoured that Prince Charles could attend.”