Thoughts and Prayer for National Police Memorial Day

This Sunday marks National Police Memorial Day - a day when officers are encouraged to reflect upon colleagues who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

DCC Ian Pilling will represent GMP at a special event at Lincoln Cathedral on Sunday 26 September to commemorate those who have fallen.

It follows Chief Constable Stephen Watson's visit to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire in July when a new monument was unveiled to honour those who have been lost.

Colleagues are invited to pause for a moment at 11am on Monday 27 September to remember our fallen colleagues.

In this article, Lead Chaplain for GMP, Reverend Charles Nevin, takes a moment to reflect and offer a prayer ahead of the event.

Each time I visit Sedgley Park I like to spend a few moments sitting in the Memorial Garden. It is an oasis of peace and tranquility away from the busyness of life. A place to hold in prayer those whose names are recorded in this space. To be reminded of their sacrifice, their devotion to duty and their bravery. Ordinary women and men faithfully protecting others, but who in so doing paid the ultimate price. We remember them for:

• their courage and devotion to duty.
• their example of sacrifice.
• their bravery and fortitude.
• the memories we treasure and the love we shared.

On a wider canvas every September we hold a national event to acknowledge all police officers who have died, often violently, as they willingly fulfilled their duties of the ‘office of constable’. We acknowledge their sacrifice and grieve for their loss. Each life precious and deeply missed.

This year the national event is on 26 September at Lincoln Cathedral, but on the 27 of September at 11am you are invited to stop whatever you are doing and give thanks for their lives.

Not everyone will be able to do so at 11am, but please try and find sometime during the day.

To help you in your preparation I offer this prayer which you can use at any time.

Even if you do not believe in prayer, I hope that the sentiments will help you in your own time of remembrance.

PRAYER

Lord God, we give thanks for those whom we remember today. Our colleagues across the wider police family who have lost their lives carrying out their lawful duties. We give thanks for their sacrifice and for their unfailing commitment to the office of constable.

We also hold before God their families and friends; all of whom have been saddened by their loss but proud of the life they lived.

By their lives they have demonstrated the values of compassion, integrity, and justice.

In honouring these fallen officers, we pray also for the safety of all who serve in the police forces of our nation as they bring justice and peace to our cities and towns.

This prayer and this time of recollection we offer in God’s Holy name.

Amen

Rev. Charles Nevin (Lead Chaplain)