DEDICATION OF NEW MEMORIAL TO HONOUR FALLEN POLICE OFFICERS

Hero police officers and staff from across the UK who have died while protecting the public will be commemorated in a permanent memorial to be unveiled next Wednesday, 28th July at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The new UK Police Memorial honours the courage and sacrifice of all those from across the police service who have dedicated their lives to protecting us and will be commemorated at a special ceremony at the Arboretum next week.

The ceremony will be attended by hundreds of guests, who will adhere to coronavirus restrictions, including dignitaries, senior politicians, representatives from all police force across the country, policing charities and the families and friends of officers killed on duty. The public will be able to view the ceremony live online through the memorial website www.ukpolicememorial.org from midday.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, who will be attending the ceremony said: “It is truly awful when we lose one of our own and we want to do everything we can to ensure that their memory lives on.

“I am really pleased that after seven years of fundraising, the new UK Police Memorial will be dedicated at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Wednesday, 28th July. The ceremony, which will be attended by myself, will by live streamed for officers, staff and the public to watch and join me in giving thanks to all police personnel that continually put themselves at risk and those that have sadly died in the line of duty.

 “I am eternally grateful for each and every one of my colleagues who put themselves in danger on a daily basis and I hope that each one of you know how valued you are.”

Sir Hugh Orde, Chair of Trustees, added: “Next Wednesday will be a historic day for our police service. After seven years of fundraising and 12 months of construction, we can finally dedicate this beautiful and iconic memorial that pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all those police officers and staff who have paid the ultimate price.

“The 12-metre-tall brass memorial, with its leaf shaped apertures representing courage, sacrifice and lives lost, is set within a beautifully landscaped area, and has been designed for ceremony, tribute and personal acts of reflection.

“As a nation, we owe all those who have laid down their lives to keep us safe and protect us from harm a huge debt of gratitude. This memorial will ensure that the memory of those officers and staff who have died lives on in perpetuity.”

Since 1749 and the establishment of the Bow Street Runners as the country’s first recognised police force, almost 5,000 police officers and staff have died whilst policing our communities, over 1,500 through acts of violence.

The National Memorial Arboretum is the nation’s place of year-round remembrance for all our services. It is home to almost 400 thought provoking memorials, including the National Armed Forces Memorial, and attracts over 300,000 visitors per year.

Sir Hugh added: “This magnificent tribute to fallen police officers and staff has only been made possible thanks to the considerable generosity of our supporters, donors and benefactors. This is a place that will not only honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women from our police service, but it will become a fitting tribute to honour all those who continue to serve.”

For further information please visit www.ukpolicememorial.org. The public can view the dedication ceremony and participate remotely by logging on to the memorial website from midday on Wednesday, 28th July 2021 and following the link.