NORTHUMBRIA Police Federation has honoured the thousands of officers who have died on police duty at the 18th annual National Police Memorial Day.

Federation chair, Jim Grey, and Mark Buckley – son of fallen colleague PC Daniel Buckley - joined members of the police family to pay their respects at Lincoln Cathedral on September 26.

The annual event honours more than 5,000 officers who have lost their lives on duty. It was the first time the police family had gathered together for National Police Memorial Day since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mark’s father, Daniel, was a police officer who died in the line of duty in 1982 when he was just five.

“I’m here to remember my father and represent my family who can’t be here and to pay tribute to all the other fallen officers,” Mark said.

“It’s an important occasion to look back and collect your thoughts and to reminisce, and it was great to have everyone here again after the pandemic.”

Federation chair Jim Grey said he was proud to represent federation members at the poignant event.

“I’m privileged to be here with Mark and to represent the federation ranks of Northumbria Police, he said.

“It’s absolutely incumbent on all of us to spend time and reflect on the sacrifices given by so many in the pursuit of the public good.”

The names of officers who had died in the past year were read out during the moving service.

HRH The Prince of Wales, who is patron of NPMD, said the country was ‘forever grateful for the steadfast dedication to duty of our police officers who have adapted and worked so tirelessly amidst the ever-changing circumstances’ of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Writing in the commemorative brochure, Prince Charles said: “We owe a most profound debt of gratitude to our police service and its remarkable officers, who, along with their families, will continue to have a very special place in the heart of our nation.”

During the service, candles were lit for officers in each of the four nations. Representing England was Jayne Clemson, daughter of PC Ray Davenport, of Merseyside Police, who died in 1981 following a traffic incident.

The service also heard a reading from Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Addressing the service, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, said: “Policing is a vocation… the women and men of the front line have risen magnificently to the challenges of the past 18 months.

“Today, we pay tribute to the courage of those killed in service, and the great courage showed by their families ever since.

“Today, we thank them for who they were, and we thank them for what they did and what they contributed to society.

“Police officers know their actions may cost their lives. The loss of a colleague on duty is felt by each and every member of the service.”

Addressing the families present, she said: “We will never forget you or the sacrifice that your loved ones made.”

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.

PC Daniel Buckley fell through a roof on Valentine's Day 1982 when pursuing a burglar.