28/09/2026
Thousands of police officers who have died on duty were honoured at the 23rd annual National Police Memorial Day.
Members of the police family gathered in Belfast on 27 September, to honour around the more than 4,500 officers who have lost their lives on duty.
1,500 people were in attendance.
The names of those officers who have died in the past year were read out.
PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, of Cleveland Police, PC Alice Slominska, of Bedfordshire Police, PC Jess Turnbull, of Northumbria Police, PC Mark Chester, of The Ministry of Defence Police, PC Mathew Parker, of Essex Police, PC Bradley Corke, of Kent Police, and PC Faizaan Najeeb, of Northamptonshire Police.
Lauren Somerville, Chair of Cleveland Police Federation, said: "Today is my first time at a National Police Memorial Day service. It's always going to feel significant and important, but this year more than ever means so much.
“Today at the forefront of my mind will be PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough - and their families.
"We should never, ever forget the sacrifice that police officers make every single day.
"National Police Memorial Day reminds us about how important the police family is. The families of officers that have lost their lives will remain part of our police family forever.
"It's so important to remember every day, every year, to mark their service, what they gave in their service. And to remember their families, that have lost somebody that they love."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood gave a reading at the service, as did the Lady Lieutenant of Belfast Dame Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle.
And Jon Boutcher, Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Lee Sims, Chair of Humberside Police Federation, said: “It’s a day when we all come together to pay tribute to officers and staff who have sadly died or been killed in the line of duty.
“They have all paid the ultimate sacrifice and this will never be forgotten. I also think it is a time when we take a moment to think about all the other officers and staff who have sadly died whilst serving.
“My thoughts are with all the families, friends and colleagues on this day.”
Rachel Nolan, Chief Constable of Essex Police, attended the service. She said: “Those families that have made the ultimate sacrifice… that someone has literally gone to work and not come home… I think it's the least I can do as Chief to come and spend time with those families, thank them and remind them that they're part of our policing family.”
During the service, candles were lit for officers in each of the four nations.
Lighting the candle for Northern Ireland was Jackie Gorman, mother of Constable Kevin Gorman, who died 23rd November 2008, alongside three colleagues, while responding to a call for assistance when their police vehicle lost control and struck a wall.
Lighting the candle for Wales was Dorothy Ellis, mother of PC Adrian Ellis, of Gwent Constabulary, who died on 27th September 1989. Adrian was killed in a motorcycle accident while travelling to report for duty.
Lighting the candle for Scotland was Christine Fulton MBE, wife of PC Lewis Fulton, of Strathclyde Police, who died on 17 June 1994, when he was stabbed during a violent struggle as he took action to protect members of the public.
Lighting the candle for England was Chris Prior, husband of PC Rosie Prior, of North Yorkshire Police, who died on 11 January 2025, when she was struck by a lorry while assisting at the scene of a collision.
Towards the end of the service, the Last Post was sounded, and petals in remembrance of all the officers who have lost their lives were distributed to the congregation.
