‘Remember the sacrifices made by those who protect us’

THIS year’s National Police Memorial Day will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Sunday 27 September 2015.

The 12th annual event will remember around 4,000 officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty – and the names of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice over the past year will be read out.

Brian Docherty, Chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “It is a tremendous privilege for Scotland to host this year’s National Police Memorial Day.

“Our fallen friends and colleagues are never far from our thoughts and this day is a fitting tribute in their honour.”

Sgt Joe Holness, founder of National Police Memorial Day, said: “It is always a day filled with emotion but also with immense pride. It is only right that we stop to remember the sacrifices made by those who protect us.

“The National Police Memorial Day is an incredibly important day for the families of police officers. The day reminds us of the best of British Policing, it reminds us of what is best about public service and the high prices which is all too often paid by police officers and their families for that service.”

Officers who will be remembered this year include PC Russ Wylie, of Humberside Police, who died after a traffic collision in April.

Sgt Holness, of Kent Police, campaigned for the annual service after the death of colleague PC Jon Odell, who was killed by a speeding motorist in Margate, Kent, in December 2000.

The first event occurred in 2004.

He added: “Sadly, we continue to lose police officers every single year. That is why the relevance of National Police Memorial Day is significant.

“It is essential that we honour them and ensure they are never forgotten.”