National Police Memorial Day is \u2018humbling and sombre\u2019, and an incredibly important part of the police calendar.<\/p>\n
South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent was joined by Secretary Dave Baines and Conduct Lead Andy Norton as they escorted families of fallen South Yorkshire officers to the ceremony in Cardiff on 24 September.<\/p>\n
Steve said: \u201cIt\u2019s absolutely important that we come down and remember our fallen officers. It\u2019s such a humbling and sombre day, but it\u2019s so important that we do this and we never forget.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd it\u2019s great to bring the families down as well, some of the families of some of our fallen officers. It is just a genuine honour and privilege to be here and we need to keep these events going as long as we possibly can, because it\u2019s vital for remembering our officers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe significance is because we\u2019ve lost officers. Remembering not just our officers in South Yorkshire, but officers across the country who have literally given their lives on duty.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just such a significant day and in one respect it\u2019s really sad, but also there\u2019s real proud to be here to make sure these officers are never forgotten.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve sacrificed their lives for the duty that they do, and it is absolutely so important that that never, ever stops.\u201d<\/p>\n
The names of those officers who had died in the past year were read out. They are PCSO Daniel Gower, of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary; Sgt Steven Creal, of Sussex Police; PC Richard Kemp, of Lancashire Constabulary; PC Bruce Lister, of Hertfordshire Constabulary; PC Neil Pattinson, of Northumbria Police; PC Andrew Boardman, of West Mercia Police; Insp Gareth Earp, of Dyfed-Powys Police; and Sgt Graham Saville, of Nottinghamshire Police.<\/p>\n
During the service, candles were lit for officers in each of the four nations. Representing Wales was Dorothy Ellis, mother of PC Adrian Ellis, of Gwent Police, who died aged 29 on 27 September 1989 as a result of a road traffic collision.<\/p>\n
Representing Scotland was David Taylor, son of PC George Taylor, of Strathclyde Police, who died aged 27 on 30 November 1976 after being attacked with an axe.<\/p>\n
Representing England was Sid Mackay, father of PC Nina Mackay, of the Metropolitan Police, who died aged 25 on 24 October 1997 having been stabbed by a wanted man. She was posthumously awarded the Commissioner\u2019s High Commendation for Bravery.<\/p>\n
Representing Northern Ireland were Mervyn and Dorothy Reynolds, parents of Constable Philippa Reynolds, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who died aged 27 on 9 February 2013 after the police vehicle in which she was a passenger was struck by a stolen vehicle.<\/p>\n
The service also heard a reading First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.<\/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
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