IT is important to bring loved ones into the fold on National Police Memorial Day, as the police family gathers to remember fallen colleagues.<\/p>\n
Essex Police Federation Chair Laura Heggie and Chief Constable BJ Harrington escorted families of fallen Essex officers to the service in Belfast on 25 September.<\/p>\n
Laura said: \u201cThis is an extremely important day in which we remember our colleagues that have paid the ultimate price. And it\u2019s also important that we bring loved ones into the fold. They are part of our blue family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Four Essex families attended along with the Federation, which enabled lots of reminiscing and healing, Laura said.<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cWe\u2019ve got to keep coming back year after year. The families never forget. And we shouldn\u2019t forget, because they\u2019ve paid the sacrifice doing the job that they were paid to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
CC Harrington said it was important the police family never forgets the sacrifice of officers who have given their lives.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cEvery day, officers from across the United Kingdom put their lives on the line to protect and serve communities, whoever they are. When people make the ultimate sacrifice, it\u2019s important we never forget that. Never forget that for the families, and for the colleagues who serve now.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir memory needs to live on through memorial services like this so we keep getting people who want to come forward and keep their communities safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
CC Harrington said the event was vital to show families, officers and the public that the service doesn\u2019t forget, and it looks after the people who have lost their loved ones.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWe do the same job, whether we wear a different uniform in a different country, whichever part. We protect and service communities. It\u2019s an important part of what British policing is about.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe work for His Majesty the King, we all saw how the country came together to give a commemoration send off to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and we come together now for the community of police officers, as a family, to make we show we care, we care about each other, we care about the job we do and we care about the communities we serve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Essex joined the Home Secretary and police chiefs, families, friends and former colleagues of the fallen at Waterfront Hall to pay tribute to officers\u2019 commitment, courage and sacrifice.<\/p>\n
Members of the Royal family, who would normally attend, were absent as they are still in mourning for HM Queen Elizabeth II.<\/p>\n
The names of officers who lost their lives over the past year were read out at the event by Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation of Northern Ireland. They are: PC Daniel Golding, of the Met; PC Craig Higgins, of Greater Manchester Police; PC Alex Prentice, of Northamptonshire Police, and PC Darryl Street, of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.<\/p>\n
Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who gave a reading during the service, said: \u201cTo all the officers who lost their lives while working to keep us safe, we thank you and we honour you.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir bravery and commitment to their duty was unfaltering \u2013 society owes them and their loved ones a debt we cannot repay, but it is one we will not forget.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs Home Secretary I make a promise to give police the powers and tools they need to do their jobs safely.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the service, candles were lit by relatives in remembrance of officers throughout the country who have lost their lives \u2013 one from each of the four nations of the UK.<\/p>\n
Representing Northern Ireland was Stephen Wylie-Young, son of Constable William Raymond Wylie QPM. Stephen was just six months old when his father was murdered.<\/p>\n
Representing Wales was Sgt Lowri Davies, daughter of PC Terence John Davies, of Gwent Police.<\/p>\n
Representing Scotland was George Barnsley, friend and colleague of DS William Ross Hunt, of Strathclyde Police.<\/p>\n
And representing England was Kathryn Dumphreys, widow of PC Nick Dumphreys, of Cumbria Police.<\/p>\n
There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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