Police Remember Those 'Lost On Duty'

The annual Metropolitan Police Memorial Service (MPS) which commemorates the lives of employees who have died in the line of duty has taken place at Hendon Training College.

The service gives families, friends and colleagues the opportunity to honour the lives of more than 650 police officers and staff who have died in the line of duty since the MPS was formed 180 years ago.

Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, and the Rt.Hon. Nick Herbert, MP, Policing and Criminal Justice Minister, were amongst those who gathered in the Memorial Garden to pay their respects. They laid wreaths at the memorial stone before observing a minute's silence. Families, friends and colleagues also laid flowers.

Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, said: "Today marks our annual Service of Remembrance, commemorating those members of the Metropolitan Police Service who have given their lives in the line of duty. The Metropolitan Police Service has a proud history, filled with astonishing acts of bravery, humanity and self sacrifice.

Every day I hear stories of Metropolitan Police officers and staff working across London and beyond taking huge personal risks to protect the public and make us all safer. All of the colleagues remembered today made a significant contribution to policing.

Their loss, either through malicious act or accident, affects us all. For families and loved ones, their loss is remembered every day. Through this Service of Remembrance, we will ensure that their memory lives on within the service."

The ceremony and prayers for the eighth annual service were conducted by the Reverend Jonathan Osborne, MPS Senior Chaplain.

Kit Malthouse Chair of the MPA said: “We are very proud of all our officers and people who serve in the Met, but giving your life in the line of duty is the ultimate sacrifice and we salute their bravery ”.

Three officers have died recently including Detective Sergeant John Gilbert, 58, who suffered fatal injuries while trying to rescue another scuba diver in the English channel in August 2009. PC Daniel Gibb, 25, died while travelling to work on a motorcycle in Bedfordshire in March, as did PC Sean McColgan, 37, when he was travelling home in Hillingdon in April.

Rt. Hon Nick Herbert MP added: "The Metropolitan Police Remembrance day is a profound reminder of the bravery shown by officers and staff working in the Capital.

"We ask our brave police officers and staff to put themselves at risk on a daily basis to keep us safe, I am proud to be here as policing minister and honoured to attend the service in remembrance of those who have lost their lives."

A Book of Remembrance, which was signed and dedicated by Her Majesty the Queen in 2001, will be on display for relatives to view the entries for their loved ones.

(BMcN/GK)