Police officers and staff who lost their lives in the line of duty are to be honoured in a special memorial which is to be unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas.
A poignant ceremony of dedication will be attended by senior politicians, civic dignitaries, representatives from all police forces across the country, policing charities and the families and friends of fallen officers.
Staffordshire Police Federation chair Phil Jones, who is representing the branch at the ceremony, said: “Those who gave their lives while serving their communities and protecting them from harm will never be forgotten.
“As a Federation, we are only too aware that our members put themselves at risk every day as they carry out their duties, protecting our communities.
“This new memorial will serve as a fitting and permanent tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and I hope that officers will take the time to visit the arboretum and pay their respects to fallen colleagues.”
The UK Police Memorial chair of trustees Sir Hugh Orde said: “After seven years of fund-raising and 12 months of construction, we can finally dedicate this beautiful and iconic memorial that pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all those police officers and staff who have paid the ultimate price.
“The 12-metre-tall brass memorial, with its leaf-shaped apertures representing courage, sacrifice and lives lost, is set within a beautifully landscaped area, and has been designed for ceremony, tribute and personal acts of reflection.
“As a nation, we owe all those who have laid down their lives to keep us safe and protect us from harm a huge debt of gratitude. This memorial will ensure that the memory of those officers and staff who have died lives on in perpetuity.”
He added: “This is a place that will not only honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women from our police service, but it will become a fitting tribute to honour all those who continue to serve.”
The National Memorial Arboretum is the nation’s place of year-round remembrance. It is home to almost 400 memorials, including the National Armed Forces Memorial, and attracts more than 300,000 visitors per year.
Members of the public can watch Wednesday’s event live online through the memorial website www.ukpolicememorial.org
