Two representatives of Bedfordshire Police Federation joined officers of all ranks and families of fallen officers at the annual Care of Police Survivors (COPS) memorial day at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire on Sunday 26 July.
Emma Carter, secretary of the Federation branch, was joined by workplace representative DI Pushpa Guild who is based on the Major Crime Unit.
The Force was also represented by Temporary Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. Both the TCC and the Federation reps placed a wreath at the Bedfordshire Police tree on “The Beat”, the arboretum’s avenue of London plane trees and horse chestnuts funded by every police force in the UK.
The families of some of Bedfordshire’s fallen officers were at the service.
The parents of PC John Simmons, aka ‘Simmo’, who tragically lost his life in an RTC nine years ago on his way home from work, attended as did PC Jon Henry’s Mum and sisters. Jon was murdered on duty in 2007.
“The service was a fitting tribute to police officers who have lost their lives in the course of their duties,” says Emma.
“It is important that each year representatives of all forces join the families of those officers to show them that their loved one’s sacrifice has not been forgotten and that they remain part of the police family.
“It was very emotive but it was clear that the COPS charity provides significant support to the families.”
Officers and supporters who had taken part in the Police Unity Tour charity cycle ride were accompanied into the arboretum by the Blue Knight motor bike club with some looking very moved as they arrived.
