“Ensuring fallen police officers are never forgotten”

NATIONAL Police Memorial Day ensures sacrifices by fallen officers are never forgotten, the vice chairman of Lancashire Police Federation has said.

Steve Rothwell (pictured right) said the event – now in its eleventh year – is “incredibly important”. He was speaking in Belfast, Northern Ireland alongside Ann Fletcher, whose grandfather was killed on duty. Also in the picture is Rob Evans from the Federation.

Mr Rothwell said: “Our attendance here will ensure that their loss is never forgotten by both serving and ex-serving officers, as well as their families.”

Mrs Fletcher said: “I come here to represent my family. I lost my husband [who was a serving officer] some years ago and also my grandfather, Robert Bridge, was killed on duty. He was mown down while trying to resolve an incident. He died very young.

“So I have come to represent Grandpa and I am also here representing my husband Anthony Thomas Fletcher who, had he not died too soon, would have been here as well.”

Steve White chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Today is a poignant and significant day for the policing family as police officers throughout the United Kingdom gather together to pay tribute to our fallen colleagues. Their dedication to duty and self-sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Terry Spence, chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, said: “National Police Memorial Day is a solemn event, one when we can all quietly reflect, remember and honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. By our actions, we will ensure that their legacy will not be forgotten.”

Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable George Hamilton said: “Today we join relatives, friends and colleagues of fallen officers to show that their commitment to protecting their community has not and will never be forgotten.

“Every day thousands of our officers are out on the streets across Northern Ireland keeping people safe.  The memorial service is a reminder to us all that in preventing harm, protecting people and bringing offenders to justice, these brave men and women sometimes pay the ultimate sacrifice.

“It has been a privilege for the Police Service of Northern Ireland to have been able to welcome so many visitors to Belfast for this year’s National Police Memorial Day.”