Thousands of police officers who have died on duty have been honoured at the 21st annual National Police Memorial Day.
Members of the police family gathered in Glasgow on Sunday 29 September, to honour around 5,000 officers who have lost their lives on duty and the names of those officers who had died in the past year were read out.
Tim Packham, Chair of Trustees of Police Children’ Fund, attended the service on behalf of the Charity. Tim said: “It is an honour and privilege to represent my fellow Trustees and staff from Police Children’s Fund at today’s National Police Memorial Day service.
“Today is an important day of remembrance, where we pay tribute to the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. They have left behind loved ones, families, and colleagues.
“At the Fund, we support many children whose parents tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. It is crucial that we remember these families today and always.”
During the service, candles were lit for officers in each of the four nations.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who gave a reading during the service, said: “Today, we mourn and remember all the officers who have given their lives in service to the public.
“We thank them and pay tribute to their bravery, their dedication and their sacrifice. We stand with their families who continue to live with the pain of losing their loved one and the pride for their incredible work to keep us safe.
“Policing is an extraordinary job – our officers run towards danger as others retreat. We owe these officers a debt that can never be forgotten.”
First Minister John Swinney said: “On behalf of everyone in Scotland, I would like to take this opportunity to tell the officers and staff of Police Scotland how much we appreciate their bravery. I pledge we will not forget those who have lost their lives serving our communities.”
There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.