Fallen Officers Remembered at National Police Memorial Day

Secretary Dave Baines and Conduct Lead Andy Norton joined Chief Constable Lauren Poultney at the event at Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Sunday (25 September).

Andy said: “It’s important to us that we show our respects for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of their duty. It is key that the Federation attend and show our support to the families.

“The day really puts into perspective the role that police officers do. We get a lot of criticism and I think events like this cut through that and show what we really do and the sacrifice that officers make on behalf of the public.”

Andy added that it is important that all deaths are remembered on the day, as opposed to the cases that make the news.

He said: “We’re aware of people who unfortunately take their own lives because they’re under investigation. I represented somebody that was in that position. It isn’t just the high-profile jobs where somebody may get shot or run over. I’m really proud to be here.”

CC Poultney accompanied the families of South Yorkshire officers PC Ryan Hunt and PC Matt Lannie.

PC Lannie, 40, was on duty when his marked bike collided with a car in Sheffield in April 2020. PC Hunt was 31 when he died on 25 May 2006. He was working on a drugs operation with South Yorkshire Police when he was involved in a fatal collision.

CC Poultney said: “I think it’s really important for the survivors of those officers that have died on duty to be reminded of how important their loved ones are to us, that they know that as a policing family we remember their loved ones and actually they, as the survivors, remain part of our policing family.

“This is a really important event in the families’ calendars. It’s an opportunity for them to come together. They’ve got friendships that have come about in the most tragic of circumstances, but these friendships are really strong and they endure, and they develop over time.

“So we take part in the national ceremony where we receive a candle here today, and at our force memorial service in a couple of weeks’ time we’ll light that candle and bring that service over to everybody there that’s not able to be here today.”

Officers, families and politicians from across the country gathered together to pay tribute to officers’ commitment, courage and sacrifice.

Members of the Royal family, who would normally attend, were absent as they are still in mourning for HM Queen Elizabeth II.

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.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who gave a reading during the service, said: “To all the officers who lost their lives while working to keep us safe, we thank you and we honour you.

“Their bravery and commitment to their duty was unfaltering – society owes them and their loved ones a debt we cannot repay, but it is one we will not forget.

“As Home Secretary I make a promise to give police the powers and tools they need to do their jobs safely.”

During the service, candles were lit by relatives in remembrance of officers throughout the country who have lost their lives – one from each of the four nations of the UK.

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.

Representing Wales was Sgt Lowri Davies, daughter of PC Terence John Davies, of Gwent Police.

Representing Scotland was George Barnsley, friend and colleague of DS William Ross Hunt, of Strathclyde Police.

And representing England was Kathryn Dumphreys, widow of PC Nick Dumphreys, of Cumbria Police.

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