Shropshire Star

Service to honour police officers killed in line of duty

Candles were lit by relatives and the names of officers, who died in the last 12 months, were read aloud during the service at Waterfront Hall.

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National Police Memorial Day

About 2,000 people have gathered to honour the memory of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Relatives and colleagues joined dignitaries, including Home Secretary Sajid Javid, in Belfast on Sunday to take part in the 15th annual National Memorial Day event commemorating those who have served across the UK.

Candles were lit by relatives and the names of officers, who died in the last 12 months, were read aloud during the service at Waterfront Hall.

A guard of honour made up of representatives from forces throughout the UK and overseas welcomed people on arrival.

In the order of service, the Prince of Wales – who is patron of the National Police Memorial Day – wrote: “Today we pay tribute to the men and women who display enormous courage and professionalism as they work to safeguard communities throughout the United Kingdom.”

He said the UK had seen a number of significant attacks in the last 12 months where police officers had “saved lives” and “thwarted attacks”.

Attendees heard of the dangers officers face and the sacrifices they make in the course of their duties.

More than 4,400 officers have died since modern policing began across the UK.

Among those specifically remembered was Constable Michael John Ferguson, who was shot dead outside a shopping centre in Londonderry in January 1993 at the age of 21.

His brother and sister Joseph and Susan Ferguson lit a candle for him.

Constable James Dixon of Thames Valley Police was remembered by his wife Samantha and his son Parker Cameron James Dixon, who was named after his late father.

Constable Dixon died in a collision last December while working, and never got to meet his son.

Mrs Dixon said: “I think it’s a really important thing to do to remember all the police officers that have fallen over the years. There are many families … someone’s sister, brother, dad, mother, and they always leave a family behind.

“They go to work to protect the public and they don’t ever come home and it is us that are left behind.”

Mrs Dixon added that it was a lovely day knowing that they were never going to be forgotten and that they would always be remembered, not only by their immediate family, but by their police family too.

Relatives of other officers killed in the line of duty represented Wales and Scotland as they too lit candles.

Prayers were offered by family members and, as the Last Post sounded, petals descended from the gallery above the hall to represent those who died.

A wreath was also laid to mark the centenary of the end of World War I and remember all those who died during the war, including officers.

Police Federation of England and Wales chairman John Apter said it was a day to remember and reflect and also celebrate the lives of those that they had all lost.

“I know from speaking to families who have lost loved ones that [the day] is significant for them, it’s important,” Mr Apter said.

“They know that we as a policing family we will never allow their loved ones to be forgotten.”

National Police Chaplain Canon David Wilbraham said: “Together we show our respect for the commitment, dedication of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice as well as officers who day by day go out on duty willing, if necessary to give their lives to protect our society.”

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