Page 17 - WMPF Federation Oct-Nov 2021-flip_Neat

his year’s National Police Memorial It is really important that the police service
Day (NPMD) honouring police officers “
Twho have lost their lives in the line of pauses to remember those who have given
duty was attended by 300 people this year
after coronavirus forced an online virtual their lives in the line of duty and also to show
service last year. their families that their sacrifice is not
The service, held at Lincoln Cathedral on
Sunday 26 September, was the 19th event of forgotten.
its kind after being founded by now retired “
Kent Inspector Joe Holness QPM OBE
following the death of his colleague Jon “It is really important that the police “The men and women on the frontline
Odell in 2000. service pauses to remember those who have have risen to those challenges because of
Jon Nott, chair of West Midlands Police given their lives in the line of duty and also the inspiration and legacy of those who
Federation, attended the service along with to show their families that their sacrifice is went before, never asking what was in it for
Helen Walker whose husband Mac died on 4 not forgotten.” them but instead asking ‘what can I do?’
October 2001 when his West Midlands National police chaplain and NPMD Courage in policing comes in many forms,
police motorcycle was deliberately rammed co-ordinator, the Reverend Canon David including meeting a life-threatening
by the driver of a car that he was attempting Wilbraham MBE, said: “This service exists to situation, yet it is sometimes tough, unfair,
to stop after it went through a red light. pay tribute to the brave men and women thankless and dangerous.
Helen was accompanied by her friend, who gave us their all; long may we “Today we pay tribute to the courage of
Carole Rogers, whose husband was also a remember them and their sacrifice. I hope those killed in service and the great courage
police officer and died while on an the service provides comfort and shown by their families ever since. The loss
expedition on Mount Kilimanjaro. Chief reassurance that their legacy will live on.” of an officer is felt by each member of our
Constable Dave Thompson represented the Home Secretary Priti Patel gave a love service and this year, sadly, we add six more
Force. themed reading from 1 Corinthians 13 and families to those we want to protect and
Jon said after the service: “National Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame support. Your loss, your pain, your
Police Memorial Day is one of the most Cressida Dick gave the address. bereavement, of course, never goes away but
important dates in the policing calendar She told the congregation: “Policing is a our desire to help, protect and support
and this year seemed to have an added vocation and the last 18 months have tested endures. We will always try our hardest to
poignancy since we were unable to meet in our policing mission is some all too familiar
person for the service last year. ways and some new ways. Feature continued on Page 18

Lighting a candle in memory of fallen officers.
www.polfed.org/westmids federation October/November 2021 17