Officers of the Police Reserve remembered and honoured

On Sunday I had the privilege to join with dignitaries, police and staff colleagues past and present and family members, in an Act of Worship to mark the service of the Police Reserve.

St Anne's Cathedral was packed to capacity, as those present recognised the outstanding contribution and personal sacrifice of the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC and the Police Service of Northern Ireland Reserve.

The RUC Reserve was formed in 1970 at the height of the troubles to support their regular colleagues in maintaining an effective response to terrorism. 102 members of the Police Reserve, full and part time, were killed and many more were injured. 13 others were killed by terrorists after leaving the Service.

In 1999 Patten Commission recommendation 103 stated that the future police service should not include a Full Time Reserve. In line with this recommendation the Reserve is being phased out , with the last of the serving Reserve officers finishing operational duties later this month.

During the Service, an act of remembrance and dedication took place where five candles were lit, by a son and a widow of murdered Reserve officers, a serving Full Time Reserve and a serving Police Officer (Part-Time) Reserve, and a former Reserve officer. The candles represented courage and dedication, self sacrifice, bravery and fortitude and treasured memories.

At the service the Chief Constable paid tribute to the outstanding service of the Reserve to the people of Northern Ireland. He said "Whether you or your loved ones served full time or part-time, you faced the same dangers, the same risks as the regular colleagues you worked alongside.

He continued: "Today we honour with sadness and gratitude our Reserve colleagues who laid down their lives so that the future may be approached with hope of peace. We acknowledge those who today bear the mental and physical scars.”

The public owe the officers of the Reserve a great debt of gratitude and it is my sincere hope that society will never forget what the officers of the Police Reserve helped to achieve.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland and the wider police family will certainly never forget the bravery and sacrifice of their colleagues and honour their commitment and achievement.