Page 10 - BedFed Dec2018 Flipbook

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Federation reps honour fallen
Fallen officers were honoured at the annual National Police Memorial Day service held this year in Belfast.
Families, friends, colleagues, senior officers, and Government officials – including the Home Secretary - were welcomed on arrival at the Waterfront Hall by a guard of honour formed by representatives from forces in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and uniformed officers from overseas forces.
Bedfordshire Police Federation was represented by chair Jim Mallen, secretary Emma Carter and workplace representatives Kelly Reynolds, Hob Hoque, Chris Smith and Hayley Hunter and they were joined by the Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher.
The Federation had invited Caz Murphy, this year’s winner of the Jon Henry Shield for bravery, but Caz was unable to attend.
“National Police Memorial Day is a very important day in the policing calendar,” says Emma, “The service gives officers of all ranks the opportunity to stand with the families of fallen officers to show them that we have not forgotten those who have given their lives while serving and protecting their communities. It also demonstrates how fallen officers’ loved ones remain part of the policing family.
“This year the service was particularly poignant as, in recognition of the centenary of the end of the First World War, we also paid tribute to police officers who signed up to serve in that conflict and never returned home to their families.”
The congregation was welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle CBE.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid gave a reading at the service and later said: “It was an honour to help pay tribute to the thousands of police officers and staff who have given their lives while serving and
Sid Mackay from the Police Roll of Honour Trust, lays a wreath to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.
protecting us all, including those who died in the First World War.
“The National Police Memorial service is an important and poignant reminder of the courage shown by the police each and every day.”
The sermon was given by The Right Reverend Dr Charles McMullen, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, before prayers were read by Denis Gunn, father of PC Richard Gunn of Surrey Police and Pearl Marshall, mother of Constable Michael Frederick Leslie Marshall of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).
Canon David Wilbraham, National Police Chaplain, led the act of remembrance during which Sid Mackay, chair of the Police Roll of
Honour, laid a wreath to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War and in memory of the police officers who lost their lives.
Candles from each of the four nations of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland were lit by family members of fallen officers to signify the undying flame of devotion and commitment.
Representing Northern Ireland: Joseph Ferguson and Susan Ferguson O’Neill, brother and sister of Constable Michael John Ferguson (21) of the RUC who was murdered by the IRA in 1993.
Representing Wales: Jayne Griffiths, wife of PC Terence John Davies (34) of Gwent Police, who was killed in 1990 when cycling
The Home Secretary, Sajid Javid (second from the right) with Federation chair John Apter to his right.
Photographs courtesy of Anderson Photography