Public urged to back campaign for new police memorial

1:22pm 19th May 2017
(Updated 1:23pm 19th May 2017)

North Yorkshire Police is calling for members of the public to get behind a campaign to raise funds for a new UK Police Memorial to remember officers and staff who fall in the line of duty.

Along with other police services across the country, North Yorkshire Police has pledged to support the Memorial project, which will be built at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield in Staffordshire, home to more than 330 memorials.

The UK Police Memorial is planned for completion in 2019, and its design will incorporate the names of more than 1800 police officers and staff who died from injuries they received in the course of lawful duty since the service began.

Names of fallen colleagues from North Yorkshire will be amongst them.

Commenting on the project, Chief Constable Dave Jones of North Yorkshire Police, said:

“It takes a special sort of person to put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, but that is what members of the police family do every day.

"Tragically, some lose their lives in the line of duty, and this memorial will honour their courage, dedication and sacrifice.

“There is a police memorial in London, but this new structure at the National Memorial Arboretum will be a permanent place of remembrance that anyone can visit year round.

“Just last month we saw officers and thousands of members of the public line the route of the cortege for the funeral of PC Keith Palmer, who was murdered in the terrorist attack on Westminster.

"It was humbling to see that public show of support, and a reminder to our officers, staff and volunteers that people recognise the work they do to protect communities.

"That matters so much to those who work for the police.

“As a Force we’re proud to support the UK Police Memorial project, which will be a tribute to those who have died doing their duty, and I hope that members of the public will also get behind the fundraising campaign.”

The UK Police Memorial will cost £4m to build, and half of the funds have already been raised. Anyone wishing to donate to the UK Police Memorial can visit www.ukpolicememorial.org