Officers who have previously served in the armed forces speak about what Remembrance Day means to them

Two serving GMP officers speak about their time in the armed forces and what Remembrance day means to them.

PC Liam Tomlinson served as a Corporal in the Royal Air Force Police, his primary role was Law Enforcement which consisted of day-to-day policing that is associated with a Police Constable and Guarding the assets on the RAF Stations. He was also deployed recently in the UK to assist the NHS in Hospitals through the Covid Pandemic.

PC Liam Tomlinson said: “I joined GMP as a Special Constable in 2015 and served for just short of 5 years, most of which I was a Sergeant. After my military service with the RAF Police, I have now returned to GMP as a Police Constable.

“It makes me feel proud to have served my Country in both the Armed Forces and the Police. It is also the time to reflect and remember everyone who gave their lives for our Country. Lest We Forget.

“To wear the Poppy for Remembrance Day is a simple way of showing the greatest respect for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. For our tomorrow they gave their today.”

PC Liam Tomlinson, former Corporal in the Royal Air Force Police

PC Sarah Taylor who served as a Corporal in the Royal Military Police in the British Army joined GMP in 2019, said: “Remembrance Day is really important to me having served in the Armed Forces. Its about acknowledging the selfless commitment and courage of those that have served our country and it’s a day where we remember those who have died whilst serving.

“This doesn’t just mean in war and on Operations – I lost a very close friend to suicide who was a serving soldier, so I think of her on Remembrance Day.

“It’s a difficult day for most soldiers and veterans as most of us have lost someone close to us. However, its also a day where we wear our medals with pride and get together with friends that we have not seen in a while.

“When I see people wearing a poppy, I feel proud. It shows that they support our Armed Forces and are acknowledging the lives that have been lost to war. Its greatly appreciated by serving soldiers and veterans.”

PC Sarah Taylor, former Corporal in the Royal Military Police