Staffordshire Police Federation chair Lee Robinson said he felt privileged to be part of National Police Memorial Day.
Lee described the service as “incredibly emotional” as the policing family came together to pay its respects and honour officers who have died in the line of duty.
Families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers gathered alongside police chiefs, senior politicians and religious leaders for this year’s service at the New Theatre in Cardiff.
Lee said: “The National Police Memorial Day is always an incredibly emotional occasion as we honour the sacrifice and dedication of those we’ve lost.
“And while it’s a really moving and powerful event, it’s also a privilege to be able to represent the Federation and our members, to pay tribute to our fallen colleagues and to support their loved ones.
“I hope they can take some comfort from the service of remembrance and the love and support from the policing family.
“We will never forget them.”
The service began with a welcome from the Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE, the National Police Chaplain and NPMD co-ordinator.
He said: “Grief is a universal experience that affects all our lives and today we gather to support each other and pay tribute to those lost in service.”
Wales’s First Minister Mark Drakeford, the Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Yvette Cooper, the Shadow Home Secretary, each gave a reading.
Policing Minister Chris Philp, who also attended, said: “National Police Memorial Day is a time for us to remember the ultimate sacrifice that many have made to keep this country safe.
“Every single day the police put their lives at risk to protect us and we must not forget these daily acts of courage and bravery.”
The main address was given by Reverend Liam Bradley, Dyfed Powys Police’s lead chaplain, while the National Police Memorial Day’s director of music John Morgan, a retired Dyfed Powys Police officer, conducted the orchestra for the final time after 18 years.
The Act of Remembrance saw candles, one from each of the four nations in the UK, lit to remind people of the ‘undying flame of devotion and commitment, exemplified by those whom we remember today’.
Representing England was Sid Mackay, father of Metropolitan PC Nina Mackay (25) who died in 1997 after being stabbed by a wanted man. Representing Wales was Dorothy Ellis, the mother of Gwent PC Adrian Ellis (29) who died in a road accident in 1989. Representing Scotland was David Taylor, the son of Strathclyde PC George Taylor (27) who died in 1976 when he was attacked with an axe. Representing Northern Ireland were Mervyn and Dorothy Reynolds, parents of PC Philippa Reynolds (27) who died in 2013 following a road accident.
Nicky Ryan, Welsh lead for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), read out the names of the officers who have lost their lives during the past year.
This year’s Roll of Honour included:
Police Community Support Officer Daniel William Gower, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
Sergeant Steven Creal, Sussex Police
PC Richard James Joseph Kemp, Lancashire Constabulary
PC Bruce Lister, Hertfordshire Constabulary
PC Neil Pattinson, Northumbria Police
PC Andrew Boardman, West Mercia Police
Inspector Gareth Earp, Dyfed Powys Police
Sergeant Graham Saville, Nottinghamshire Police
Sergeant Paul Frear, West Midlands Police
“We give thanks to God for their courage and their dedication,” said Nicky, as petals of remembrance fell, representing those who have lost their lives.
This was followed by audience members standing in silence, as the orchestra played ‘Abide with Me’ and the Last Post sounded.
The service finished with the national anthems of Wales and the UK.
Next year’s National Police Memorial Day will take place in Glasgow.
