TEARS were shed as surviving family members and serving police officers gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum to remember officers who have fallen in the line of duty.<\/p>\n
The Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Service of Remembrance in Staffordshire was attended by more than 500 people. During the 80 minute service, survivors recalled how the COPS charity had helped them in their time of need.<\/p>\n
Chief officers from all UK forces and representatives from the Home Office, HMIC and staff associations were amongst those that took time to pay their respects and lay wreaths. The West Midlands Police band and a lone piper provided accompanying music.<\/p>\n
The event was even more poignant this year as COPS celebrates its tenth anniversary. The charity is keen to raise its profile among serving officers.<\/p>\n
Sir Keith Povey, a former HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and COPS trustee and patron, said: \u201cOne can not overestimate the friendship, love and support generated amongst survivors. They continue to need to be a member of the police family and that\u2019s why it so important that they see a force representative here.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a tangible recognition that their officers are still remembered by their friends and colleagues in force.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Roll of Honour for the 10 officers who died on duty during the last 12 months \u2013 including PC Ian Dibell from Essex Police and Greater Manchester Police\u2019s PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes \u2013 was read out by outgoing COPS president Sue Brace.<\/p>\n
Also remembered were Special Constable Scott Bennett, from Lincolnshire Police, DC Adele Cashman, of the Met, PC Andrew Bramma, of North Yorkshire Police, PC Bruce Stevenson, of Derbyshire Constabulary, Constable Philippa Reynolds, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, PC Steve Rawson, of Hampshire Constabulary and Sgt Ian Harman, of the Met.<\/p>\n
Andy Cooper, father of PC Daniel Cooper, of Wiltshire Police, PC Paul Terry, brother of PC Ian Terry, of Greater Manchester Police, Nathan Dent, son PC Chris Dent, of the Met, and Helen Walker, wife of PC Mac Walker, of West Midlands Police, all emotionally told of what it is like to lose a loved family member.<\/p>\n
And how the COPS charity had helped them to rebuild their lives and to come to terms with their loss.<\/p>\n
The Blue Knights police motorcyclists arrived in procession prior to the service to pay their respects, they were also joined by cyclists who had ridden up in convoy from London. Diane Whylie, from Police Mutual, sang two songs at the service, \u201cAngel\u201d and \u201cEdge of Blue\u201d.<\/p>\n
Closing the event, the eleventh annual memorial service to be held, Sir Peter Fahy, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, paid tribute to the \u201cremarkable dignity\u201d of surviving families.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cPolicing is a huge family. When we lose colleagues it is a huge, huge blow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sir Peter added: \u201cOn a Sunday, when so many people are enjoying barbecues and Sunday lunches, we are reminded that for so many of the families here, at all those gatherings there will be an empty chair.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are anniversaries, birthdays, Christmases and school prize givings, parents evenings, many, many events where there is that constant reminder of the empty place.\u201d<\/p>\n
He concluded: \u201cI pay huge tribute to COPS. We all need to continue to support this wonderful organisation and make sure that it grows.\u201d<\/p>\n
You can find out more about the work of COPS here http:\/\/www.ukcops.org\/index.asp<\/p>\n
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