National Memorial Day – remembering our fallen officers
The tenth National Memorial Day service commemorating officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty took place this weekend.
Relatives of fallen Essex Police officers joined Prince Charles, Patron of the National Police Memorial Day charity, Home Secretary Theresa May, Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, members of the Essex Police Federation and police officers of all ranks from across the country, in Cardiff on Sunday September 29.
Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh lit one of four memorial candles during the service to recognise the courage and dedication of all those officers who have been killed on duty.
The service was also attended by Essex Police Federation secretary Roy Scanes and rep Andrew Hastings, together with Catherine Dodd and Peter Dodd, widow and son of Pc Sidney Dodd; Sue Bishop, widow of acting Sgt Bill Bishop, and Ron and Jean Jennings, parents of Pc Jo-Ann Jennings.
Afterwards, Nick Alston said: “I was proud and humbled to attend this service and pay respects, both myself and on behalf of everyone in Essex, to police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the communities they served. It was a particular honour to meet members of families of three Essex officers who died on duty.”
Chief Constable Kavanagh said: “It was a privilege to be asked to play a part in the service and to light a candle in commemoration of all those officers who have paid the ultimate price in helping to keep our communities safe.”
Mr Scanes added: “Every year Essex Police and Essex Police Federation host relatives of our fallen officers at the National Police Memorial Day service.
“It is vital that we never forget the sacrifices made by our colleagues while protecting the public.”
The first National Police Memorial Day was held in 2004 and it is an official annual national day.
A dignified and sensitive service of remembrance is held annually to honour the courage and ultimate sacrifice of more than 4,000 officers who have been killed on duty throughout the UK since the modern policing era began in 1792.
