Page 19 - Federation magazine: December 2016 / January 2017

the history of National Police Memorial Day. Abigail Phillips meets Service of Northern Ireland together
This was my last service as national Prince Charles. conducted a formation fly past using
co-ordinator and to gather again where the three of the helicopters from the National
inaugural service took place is somewhat knowing that they, and the sacrifice they Police Air Service fleet and an Islander
surreal. made, is never forgotten. It is also a aircraft from the Police Service of
“National Police Memorial Day was an comfort for those families who may have Northern Ireland.
idea borne out of tragedy and I would never lost their loved ones many years ago to The service is held on the last Sunday
have dreamed that the charity and service come together and draw strength from of September each year and rotates
would progress to have the standing it has meeting others who share their sense of around all four countries of the UK.
today. My aim was to honour my fallen pain and loss.”
colleagues with a fitting annual service of As part of the service The National
remembrance and bring the nation Police Air Service (NPAS) and The Police
together to do so.
“I extend my gratitude to everyone who
attended today’s service and for their
ongoing support. It was a day filled with
emotion but also with immense pride, and I
know it meant a lot to the families and
friends of our fallen colleagues to have our
patron, The Prince of Wales, with us today.”
Speaking about the service and its
importance, Robin Phillips, father of PC
David Phillips, said: “This service is
important to us as we approach the first
anniversary of Dave’s tragic death. All of
Dave’s family, and the families of those
other officers we have lost, gain solace in

Abigail Phillips lights a candle as NPMD
founder Joe Holness looks on.

forget’ federation December 2016/January 2017 19

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