Chair attends National Police Memorial Day

5 November 2021

This year’s National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) honouring police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty was attended by 300 people this year after coronavirus forced an online virtual service last year.

The service, held at Lincoln Cathedral at the end of September, was the 19th event of its kind after being founded by now retired Kent Inspector Joe Holness QPM OBE following the death of his colleague Jon Odell in 2000.

Jon Nott, chair of West Midlands Police Federation, attended the service along with Helen Walker whose husband Mac died on 4 October 2001 when his West Midlands police motorcycle was deliberately rammed by the driver of a car that he was attempting to stop after it went through a red light.

Helen was accompanied by her friend, Carole Rogers, whose husband was also a police officer and died while on an expedition on Mount Kilimanjaro. Chief Constable Dave Thompson represented the Force.

Jon said after the service: “National Police Memorial Day is one of the most important dates in the policing calendar and this year seemed to have an added poignancy since we were unable to meet in person for the service last year.

“It is really important that the police service pauses to remember those who have given their lives in the line of duty and also to show their families that their sacrifice is not forgotten.”