Thousands honoured at National Police Memorial Day in Coventry 

Secretaries of State and Police Chiefs joined a congregation of more than 1,400 at Coventry Cathedral, standing in unity to remember officers who gave their lives in service – many in horrific circumstances. 

Family members participated in the service, which poignantly honoured fallen officers’ commitment, courage, and sacrifice. 

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who gave a reading during the service, said: “The dedication and sacrifice that our police make each day to keep us safe is extraordinary. In our darkest moments, they protect us from harm with unwavering dedication and courage. 

“On National Police Memorial Day, we honour and remember all those who have died in service. My thoughts are also with their families, who continue to bear the pain of losing their loved one.” 

During the service, prayers were said by family members, including Daniel Rodgers: son of PC Ian Rodgers, Greater Manchester Police. Died 3rd April 1975, eight days after sustaining multiple injuries when he was struck by a train as he and a colleague searched the track. This year marks 50 years since Ian tragically died. Daniel emigrated to Australia in 1998 and joined with his mother, Pauline to attend the remembrance service on this poignant anniversary year. 

Inspector Jamie Jones: Working mainly in response roles and as a Federation representative supporting colleagues across Gwent, Jamie read in memory of colleagues PC Steven Jenkins, PC Leighton Yhnell and PC Rhys Kelleher. 

Yvonne Davidson: Yvonne commenced her policing career in West Belfast with the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) in 1989. She completed 29 years of service, concluding with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), retiring as a Superintendent in 2018. Since retirement, she has actively volunteered with the RUC George Cross Foundation. 

Iyona Shaar: Iyona joined the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) in September 2023 and has developed herself to be a reliable and committed Youth Volunteer whose dedication to PSYV is unquestionable. She has completed over 200 hours of volunteering and is deeply passionate about serving her community.

The Elizabeth Emblem was presented for the first time during the service. Medals were awarded in memory of: Police Constable Royston Jerred, Sussex Police; Sergeant Noel Lane, Metropolitan Police; Police Constable Mark Peers, Metropolitan Police; Police Constable Ian Rodgers, Greater Manchester Police; and Police Constable Dennis Arthur Smith, Devon and Cornwall Police. 

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

Representing England Kelly Swindells [daughter] and Mabel [one-year old granddaughter], remembering Kelly’s father DC Michael Swindells QGM, died 21st May 2004 (aged 44), West Midlands Police, who was fatally stabbed by an armed suspect he had been in pursuit of. 

Representing Northern Ireland, Peter Olphert [son], remembering his father RC John Robinson Olphert, RUC, who died on 18th January 1983 (aged 39). He was fatally shot by terrorist gunmen while off duty. 

Representing Wales, Lowri Davies, daughter of PC Terry Davies, 34 years, Gwent Constabulary, who died of injuries received whilst he was cycling home after a tour of duty at Maindee, when he was hit by a stolen vehicle which failed to stop. 

Representing Scotland Linsey Dempsey [daughter], a serving officer in Police Scotland, remembering her father PC Stuart Simpson, died 28th March 1994 (aged 26), Strathclyde Police who was killed when his police car was struck head on by a car going the wrong way on the motorway. 

Tiff Lynch, Chair, Police Federation of England and Wales read the names of officers who have lost their lives during the past year – PC Faizaan Najeeb, Northamptonshire Police; PC Ian Minett, Gloucestershire Constabulary; PC Michael Bruce Metropolitan Police; PC Frank Hawkins, Metropolitan Police, PC Marcus Bennett, Civil Nuclear Constabulary; PC Rosie Prior, North Yorkshire Police; and DC Karen Smith, Humberside Police. 

Policing Minister Sarah Jones, said: “Our brave police work tirelessly to protect the public, facing down danger and putting themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe. They will always have my full and unwavering support. 

“National Police Memorial Day is a time to honour the fallen and recognise the loss felt by those they have left behind. We thank them and their families and pay tribute to their bravery.” 

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