Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper has paid tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the force.
Every year a National Police Memorial Day is held, a poignant occasion when officers remember and honour those who have laid down their lives to protect their communities and maintain law and order.
The idea for National Police Memorial Day was born out of a desire to create a dedicated occasion to honour and remember police officers who lost their lives while carrying out their duties.
The first official National Police Memorial Day was held in 2004, and since then, it has grown in significance and scale. The event takes place in turn among the four UK countries and is marked by a grand memorial service attended by dignitaries, members of the police force, and the public.
This year the service was held in Belfast, with Chief Constable Roper attending alongside Special Police Constable Nigel Todd representing the force as standard bearer.
A Wiltshire service was also held in which officers and staff gathered together, led by Chief Constable Roper and the Force's Acting Lead Chaplain David Fiddy. The names of Wiltshire officers who have died were read out:
- PC Daniel John Cooper, 2010 (road traffic accident)
- PC Michael James Johnson, 2009 (heart failure whilst on duty)
- Sergeant Philip Henry Singleton, 1996 (heart failure whilst on duty)
- PC Christopher Mark Regelous, 1991 (road traffic accident)
- Sergeant Michael Ivor Tucker, 1991 (heart attack during firearms training)
- PC John Lewis Marsh, 1989 (collapsed and died after struggling to arrest a suspect)
- DC Mark Herbert, 1987 (road traffic accident)
- PC Desmond Derrick Kellam, 1979 (attacked by a suspect)
- PC Philip Stephen Russell, 1978 (road traffic accident)
- PC Leonard Alan Harding, 1977 (road traffic accident)
- PC Robert Edward Cray, 1973 (struck by car)
- PC Colin D. R. Hayward, 1968 (road traffic accident)
- PC Cedric A. Hemming, 1968 (struck by car)
- PC Maurice William Foord, 1961 (struck by car)
- Chief Inspector Edmund Richard Norris, 1955 (road traffic accident)
- War Reserve Constable Albert William Newman, 1942 (shot)
- DC Fredrick William Slater, 1940 (road traffic accident)
Inspector Albert Enos Mitchell, 1940 (road traffic accident)
- PC Henry G. Tanner, 1931 (road traffic accident)
- PC Frank Gray, 1929 (road traffic accident)
- Sergeant William Frank Crouch, 1913 (shot)
- PC James Dee, 1903 (taken ill on duty)
- PC Bernard Beggin, 1897 (heat exhaustion whilst on duty)
- PC John Giles, 1895 (heart failure whilst on duty)
- Superintendent Frederick Bull, 1892 (fatally injured while riding horse)
- Sergeant Enos Molden, 1892 (shot)
- PC Andrew Albert Reuben Hancock, 1875 (attacked during a disturbance)
- PC William Watts, 1870 (drown)
- PC Jasper Keepence, 1861 (fractured spine)
The Chief Constable said: "As National Police Memorial Day comes around each year, it serves as a poignant reminder that the commitment and dedication of police officers extends far beyond their shifts and uniforms.
"Behind every name we remember is a family, a circle of friends and colleagues whose lives were forever changed by their loss. The annual service provides an opportunity to honour those who gave their lives protecting our communities and to ensure their memory endures.
"Last Thursday, officers and staff came together locally to remember those who have died in service. It was important for us to take time to reflect on their contribution and recognise the occasion here in Wiltshire.
"Policing is a vocation that demands courage, integrity and a selfless commitment to others. The officers we remember today embodied those values, often placing themselves in harm's way to protect the public and keep people safe.
"While National Police Memorial Day is a time for reflection, it is also an opportunity to acknowledge the families, friends and colleagues who continue to live with the loss of a loved one. I hope they find some comfort in knowing how highly respected and valued our fallen officers remain.
"I am humbled by their bravery, dedication and service, and by the sacrifices made by those closest to them. Their contribution to policing and the communities they served will never be forgotten."
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "National Police Memorial Day is a time for reflection, remembrance and gratitude as we honour those brave police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
"Today, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting their communities. Their courage, commitment and selflessness will never be forgotten, and we owe a profound debt of thanks to them and their families.
"Policing is a profession built on public service, with officers stepping forward every day to face challenges and risks that most of us will never experience. National Police Memorial Day reminds us that behind every uniform is a person who has dedicated their life to keeping others safe.
"As Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, I am proud of the dedication shown by our officers, staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect our communities.
"Today, we stand alongside police forces across the country to remember colleagues who have paid the highest price in service to the public.
"My thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who have lost their lives. We remember them with pride, honour their service with gratitude, and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten."
People can find out more by visiting www.nationalpolicememorialday.org?
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