“People put their lives on the line to keep people safe”
POLICE officers put their lives on the line to keep the public safe, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police has said.
Speaking at the 12th annual National Police Memorial Day in Edinburgh, CC David Crompton said people come together to remember those who have died in the line of duty. Neil Bowles, Chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, was joined at the event by Dave Baines from the Federation.
Mr Crompton said: “I think it’s an important day for all police officers. It is for me personally.
“In the 30 years that I’ve been in the police, sadly I’ve lost a few colleagues along the way.
“I don’t think there’s anybody who that’s happened to, who it’s not touched and affected, so I think it’s really important that we come here and get together and remember once a year.
“Because when all is said and done, lots has changed about the police service, but one thing that’s not changed over the years is that people go out there every day and they put their lives on the line and they deal with whatever comes at them.
“Sometimes, very infrequently, there are tragic results, and it’s important that we recognise everybody’s bravery.”
More than 1,200 police officers of all ranks, politicians and families of fallen officers attended the service on Sunday 27 September.
Neil Bowles, Chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, added: “Every year it’s a very important day for the whole national police force family, and the families of our colleagues who have fallen, to remember their ultimate sacrifice and for the nation to also join in that commemoration.
“Unfortunately this year we haven’t got any families here, but we will remember them in our thoughts.”