Clutha tragedy remembered as tributes paid to fallen officers at Police Memorial Day
A special act of remembrance was paid to those who lost their lives in the Clutha helicopter crash in Glasgow in 2013 as police leaders, senior politicians and families of those who lost their lives on duty gathered in Scotland for the National Police Memorial Day.
A special act of remembrance was paid to those who lost their lives in the Clutha helicopter crash in Glasgow in 2013 as police leaders, senior politicians and families of those who lost their lives on duty gathered in Scotland for the National Police Memorial Day.
The names of officers lost in the last year were read out to the annual service, which took place in Edinburgh on Sunday (September 27).
During the service, Home Secretary Theresa May gave a reading and prayers were led by Michelle Nelson, daughter of Constable George Taylor who served with Strathclyde Police and was murdered in 1976, and Donald Connolly, brother of Constable Gordon Connolly who drowned in 1983 attempting to rescue a member of the public who had fallen into rough seas. Derek Penman, Her Majestys Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, and Mark Lindsay, chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, also gave readings.
Candles were lit in remembrance by Mark Nelis, husband of Police Scotland Constable Kirsty Nelis who was killed in the Clutha helicopter crash; Elaine Atkinson, sister of Nottinghamshire Police Constable Christopher McDonald who was murdered in 1978; Charlotte Godfrey, daughter of South Wales Police Constable Ian Godfrey who was killed in a police vehicle collision in 1999; and Alwyn Baird, widow of Royal Ulster Constabulary Constable Allen Baird who was killed by a terrorist bomb attack in 1979.
Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was proud to honour police officers who gave their lives while serving their communities and recognised the bravery of the men and women in policing.
My thoughts are very much with the families, friends and colleagues of those who have died. I hope they can be reassured and comforted by our continued and very deep respect and gratitude, she said.
In Scotland, we were reminded again of the dangers faced when the Police Scotland helicopter crashed into the roof of the Clutha pub in Glasgow. That was a black day, which will never be forgotten. It is fitting that today a wreath has been laid in memory of those who died in the tragedy.
Home Secretary Theresa May said it was a privilege to take part in the day and to pay tribute to the bravery and honour of British police officers.
The police strive to keep us and our families safe, taking risks so we can live peacefully. When a police officer falls in the line of duty, their death is a reminder of the very real dangers they face, as they put themselves on the line to deal with violent criminals and dangerous situations.
National Police Chiefs Council chair Sara Thornton said: The National Police Memorial Day provides us with an opportunity to stop and remember the sacrifices made by police officers while protecting our communities. We commemorate the women and men that have lost their lives serving the public. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues.
The officers who lost their lives in the line of duty since last years service are:
PC Russell Wyliem, Humberside Police;
PC Kevin Stoodley, Avon and Somerset Constabulary;
PC David Arthur, Metropolitan Police Service; and
PC Jonathan Relph, Metropolitan Police Service.