Police lives lost in air disasters among those honoured at National Police Memorial Day

The service of remembrance followed a police parade of more than 40 force standards from George Square to Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, where they joined a guard of honour involving officers from the UK and overseas. Police Scotland arranged a flyover as a mark of respect.

Family members participated in the service, which poignantly honoured fallen officers’ commitment, courage, and sacrifice. This being the anniversary year of the Chinook helicopter tragedy on the Mull of Kintyre, a wreath was laid to commemorate lives lost in air disasters, many of which have happened on Scottish soil.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who gave a reading during the service, said: “Today, we mourn and remember all the officers who have given their lives in service to the public.

“We thank them and pay tribute to their bravery, their dedication and their sacrifice. We stand with their families who continue to live with the pain of losing their loved one and the pride for their incredible work to keep us safe.

“Policing is an extraordinary job – our officers run towards danger as others retreat.

“We owe these officers a debt that can never be forgotten.”

First Minister John Swinney said: “On behalf of everyone in Scotland, I would like to take this opportunity to tell the officers and staff of Police Scotland how much we appreciate their bravery. I pledge we will not forget those who have lost their lives serving our communities.

“I know all in Police Scotland are dedicated professionals performing their jobs to the highest standard and working hard to protect all of us, no matter the circumstances or the danger involved.

“Every life lost in the line of duty is one we remember and this event allows us to honour all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while keeping us safe. We also recognise the loss felt by loved ones of those brave and committed officers, and they are in my thoughts.”

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher attended the National Police Memorial Day and met with a number of widows and families of members of the PSNI and the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross who had died or been killed in service.

Mr Boutcher said: “It was a huge privilege to have the opportunity to meet with police families from not only Northern Ireland but from across the UK, to remember their loved ones, who have selflessly given their lives in the course of their duties.

“Today’s service was incredibly moving and humbling and serves as a reminder to us all that in serving and protecting our communities, these officers sometimes pay the ultimate sacrifice.

“It is right and fitting that we take a moment each year to reflect and remember the loss of those who went before us and others who continue to put the safety of others above their own. Their sacrifice, commitment and dedication to their duties must never be forgotten.”

Emily Spurrell, chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), said: “This is such an incredibly important and poignant day when we come together to remember and pay tribute to police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the public.

“On behalf of the APCC and all its members, I want to recognise all police bravery and extend our immense gratitude to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Our thoughts are with their families and colleagues in their enduring loss.”

During the service, prayers were said by family members, including.

Martin Gottlieb, grandson of Special Constable Harry Davies, Lancashire Constabulary, died December 24, 1940. Fatally injured while dealing with an incendiary bomb during an enemy air raid.

Stewart Drake, son of PC Joseph Stewart Drake, Stirling and Clackmannan Constabulary. Died August 11, 1967. Killed when a stolen lorry being pursued by other officers intentionally struck his car at Dennyloanhead as he tried to intercept it.

Martin Wiltshire, son of Detective Constable Malcolm James Victor Wiltshire, Hampshire Constabulary. Died May 15, 1985 when the plane he was onboard crashed.

Candles were lit by relatives in remembrance of officers throughout the country who have lost their lives, one from each of the four nations of the UK.

Lighting the candle for Scotland – Margaret Collins, mother and Helen Cruddis, sister of PC Anthony (Tony) Collins, 43, Police Service of Scotland, died November 29, 2013, when a police helicopter crashed into the roof of the Clutha bar in Glasgow.

Lighting the candle for England – Luke Ratana, son of Police Sergeant Matiu (Matt) Ratana, 54, Metropolitan Police Service, died September 25, 2020 after being fatally shot in Croydon Custody Centre.

Lighting the candle for Northern Ireland – Jill Davidson, wife of Detective Superintendent Philip Davidson, 45, Royal Ulster Constabulary GC, died June 2, 1994, when the RAF Chinook helicopter crashed on the Mull of Kintyre.

Lighting the candle for Wales – Rob Jones, brother, and Chris Milne-Jones, sister of PC Ralph Jones, 34, North Wales Police, died July 13, 1999, as the result of a road traffic incident while on a training course

David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, read the names of officers who have lost their lives in the past year – Sergeant Graham Saville, Nottinghamshire Police; Sergeant Paul Frear, West Midlands Police; Constable Jack Cummings, West Yorkshire Police; and Acting Sergeant Reece Buckenham, Hertfordshire Constabulary.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.

Canon David Wilbraham MBE, chair of the Police Remembrance Trust, and coordinator for National Police Memorial Day, said: “We hold the records and recognise the sacrifice of officers who have died on duty since records began – the earliest death being that of Islington Watchman Nicholas Grey, killed by a Yeoman of the Guard back in 1545.

“Being true to our motto ‘lest we forget’ carries the commitment ‘we will remember’ and by telling their stories and speaking their names we keep their memory and therefore them alive.”