NPMD Is Celebration Of Our Fallen Colleagues

NATIONAL Police Memorial day is an ‘understated celebration of those colleagues we have lost’, according to Essex Police Federation Chairman Steve Taylor.

Police officers from across the UK gathered to remember their fallen colleagues at the 16th annual service on Sunday.

Members of the police family were at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow to honour the more than 4,000 officers who have lost their lives on duty. The names of those officers who have died in the past year were read out.

HRH The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of National Police Memorial Day was among those attending the service, led by Canon David Wilbraham. He was joined by Home Secretary Priti Patel; Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, more than 40 Chief Constables and 1,500 police officers and family members.

Steve said the event was a chance to remember colleagues from Essex and across the UK who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

He said: “It’s important that they are remembered and that we come together as one, as a country, to give them the recognition that they deserve. What’s particularly nice about this event is the lovely warm atmospheres, the members of the public getting involved.”

Steve was joined at the memorial by colleagues, Essex Police Chief Constable BJ Harrington and families of three fallen Essex Police colleagues.

Steve added: “We are remembering PC Joanne Jennings who we lost in a car crash. We are remembering PC David Worsfold who equally we lost when his traffic vehicle was crashed into and he was tragically killed. And we’re also remembering PC Gary Veal who was killed on the A12 dealing with a broken down vehicle

“It’s not a macabre evening. It’s a celebration. An understated celebration of those colleagues that we have lost, which is right.”

Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: “It’s so important that we celebrate and commemorate the police family, the sacrifice that so many officers have made to protect the public and to work for policing, and to show that we remember the families and their sacrifice. They’re always remembered and we’ll always support them and commemorate their loved ones forever.”

In the commemorative brochure, HRH The Prince of Wales said: “Policing in the United Kingdom has enormous pressures to contend with, no more so than on the front line. As society changes, so must the way in which we support and protect our communities. Your job is one of the toughest there is, and all too often your efforts go unrecognised.

“I am proud to be with you today, and I particularly want you to know how very much I appreciate all that you do, and the sacrifices you make. You and your families have a very special place in the heart of this nation.”

During the service, candles were lit for officers in each of the four nations. Representing Scotland was Margaret Sinclair and her daughter Patricia, for PC Leslie Sinclair, who died in 1972 following a road traffic collision.

Representing England was Rumbie Mabuto and her children Kenny and Sophia, for PC Joe Mabuto, who died after suffering a heart attack on duty. Representing Wales was William Parker, son of PC Andy Parker, who was killed in a motorbike crash when travelling home after a night shift.

And representing Northern Ireland was Margo Hetherington, daughter of Reserve Constable Jacob Rankin, who was fatally shot in 1978 whilst on duty by terrorists.

Andrea MacDonald, Chair of the Scottish Police Federation, read the names of officers who have lost their lives during the past year: PC Joseph Robert Cooke and Sgt Colin Michael Fox, both of the Met; PC Daniel Clayton-Drabble, PC Kevin Flint and PC Andrew Harper, all of Thames Valley Police; and PC Roy Buggins, of Police Scotland. The service also paid tribute to US Special Agent Nole Remagen, who died while on duty in Scotland.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.