National Police Memorial Day

Police Children’s Fund has paid tribute to the thousands of officers who have lost their lives in duty, at the annual National Police Memorial Day in Cardiff.

Tim Packham, Chair of Trustees, who attended the ceremony on Sunday (24 September) said: “It is important to us to be here to remember the fallen. 

“At the Fund, we look after many, many children whose parents have sadly died in the execution of their duty, and it’s only right and proper that they are never forgotten. 

“It is a very humbling day. These officers have served their communities and paid the ultimate price. They’ve left loved ones and families behind, as well as work colleagues.”

More than 5,000 officers have lost their lives on duty and the names of those officers who had died in the past year were read out at the service. 

During the service, candles were lit by family members of deceased officers representing each of the four nations. The service also heard a reading First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.