A day to Remember

Last Sunday I was privileged to join police colleagues from across the United Kingdom and representatives from An Garda Síochána, for the National Police Memorial Day at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.

The annual service is held on the nearest Sunday to the 29th September to coincide with Saint Michael's day, the patron Saint of Police Officers and rotates around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

National Police Memorial Day was established in 2004 to remember police officers who have been killed or who have died on duty, to demonstrate to relatives, friends and colleagues of fallen officers, that their sacrifice is not forgotten and to recognise the dedication to duty and courage displayed by police officers.

Last year there were eight police officers who were died on duty. Six of the officers, two from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Constable Gary Grieves (46) and Constable Gareth Gallagher (22), three from the London Metropolitan Police Service, D/Sergeant Iain McLay (42), Constable Sean McColgan (37) and Constable Daniel Gibb (25) and one for Wiltshire Constable Michael Johnson (46), died whilst making their way to or from duty.

Constable Daniel Cooper (22), Wiltshire Police, died in a road traffic collision whilst responding to a call for assistance from colleagues and most of us will remember the tragic death of Constable William Barker (44) who was swept off a bridge in Cumbria during the floods of last November.

It was a very emotional service with thousands of people from various forces and counties, public representatives, colleagues, family members and friends, standing side by side to remember and honour those who have given their lives in the service of others.

Policing by its very nature is a dangerous occupation. Every day, across the United Kingdom, police officers put themselves in harm's way to protect the communities whom they serve from serious harm.

No Police Service understands this more so than the Royal Ulster Constabulary in the past, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland at present.

Police officers walk towards danger when others run away. Over the years police officers here, through their quick thinking, resourcefulness, and administration of first aid have saved the lives of many ordinary people from burning homes, frozen lakes and canals, heavy seas, mountains and snow, whilst putting their own lives at risk.

Only last week a local councillor, in West Belfast referred to police officers who attempted to save a man from his burning home as ‘heroes’. The officers suffered smoke inhalation as result of their attempt to rescue the man.

The police service is often referred to as a ‘family’ and there is no doubt that there is a unique bond between police officers and their families, regardless of where they serve.

The public owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women, officers and staff, who work tirelessly, in very difficult circumstances to deliver policing across the United Kingdom.

The challenge to us all is to never forget that sacrifice. As the act of remembrance says “We will remember them”.