Service gathers to remember fallen officers

THE daughter of PC Dave Phillips lit a candle as police officers who have died on duty were remembered at this year’s National Police Memorial Day in London.

Prince Charles attended the 13th annual event as it returned to St Paul’s Cathedral. Around 4,000 officers were remembered and the names of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice over the past year were read out.

Remembered this year were PC Douglas Wiggins, of Police Scotland; PC Sahib Lalli, of the Met; and Merseyside’s PC David Phillips.

In a message to the congregation, Prince Charles spoke of an “immense debt of gratitude that our nation owes to those who have given their lives in guarding our liberties”.

He said: “As ever this occasion has a special poignancy about it as we remember those police officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while safeguarding our families, our communities and our liberty.”

The Prince of Wales added: “For many of us, the security challenges of today further underscore the importance of the Police and their ongoing commitment to protecting us all, despite the inevitable risks that they face on a daily basis.”

Home Secretary Amber Rudd gave a reading and the congregation stood as the Piper’s Lament played, while petals fell in remembrance of lives lost.

In an emotional moment during the service on Sunday 25 September, eight-year-old Abigail Phillips lit a candle to remember officers who have died in England. Her father was killed in Merseyside in October last year.

She was joined in lighting candles by Gaynor James, mother of South Wales Police PC Andrew James, who died on duty in 2003; Andrea Irvine, widow of part-time Police Service of Northern Ireland Constable Kenneth Irvine, who died on duty in 2008; and Elaine Gordon, daughter of Sgt Alan Gordon, of Grampian Police, who died on duty in 1978.

Prayers were given by Angus Morrison, brother of DC James Morrison, of the Metropolitan Police, who died on duty in 1991; Alice Fisher, granddaughter of Reserve Constable William Wallace Allen, of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, who died on duty in 1980; Paul Bone, father of PC Fiona Bone, of Greater Manchester Police, who died on duty in 2012; and Alan Pughsley, Chief Constable of Kent Police.

Inspector Joe Holness QPM, founder of National Police Memorial Day, has now bowed out from organising the event. He said: “This is a proud day that means so much to the families and friends who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

“National Police Memorial Day unites the country in national recognition of officers who have given us their all. It is a significant day of remembrance to ensure our fallen officers must not, and will not, be forgotten.”