Heroic Durham officers who died while protecting the public were commemorated recently at a national memorial service held in their honour.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell joined representatives from the UK’s police forces along with families of the fallen colleagues, dignitaries and senior politicians at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire.
CC Farrell also welcomed Sergeant Pete Tate, Inspector Ed Turner and call handler Michael Wallace who participated in the UK Police Unity Tour which involved cycling 180 miles over 3 days to the memorial in memory of three Durham colleagues who died in the line of duty.
By completing the ride, they raised hundreds of pounds for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity which is dedicated to helping the families of police officers and police staff who have lost their lives on duty.
Sgt Tate cycled in memory of DC James Porter who was tragically shot and killed whilst confronting suspects from an armed robbery in Bishop Auckland in 1982. He was just 31.
Insp Turner cycled in memory of PC Keith Maddison, 46. He collapsed and died on duty whilst chasing two suspects in 1997.
And Mr Wallace rode in memory of PC Jonathan Green who died in a road traffic collision on his way home from work in Barnard Castle in 2004. He was only 23.
Speaking about the event, CC Farrell said: “It was a real honour to be invited to the remembrance service and humbling to speak to the families of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty – especially those of our own Durham officers.
“It was also great to see our Durham cyclists arriving after their long journey to the site and I know it wasn’t an easy ride but their hard work paid off – well done Ed, Pete and Michael.”
Insp Turner added: “It was a great experience and we all felt so proud to be part of it representing Durham. It was particularly emotional riding in to the finish to be met with some of the families of our colleagues and seeing the hundreds of riders who were also paying their respects to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the public. They will never be forgotten.”
For further information about the new memorial visit www.ukpolicememorial.org
Photo: Left to right: CC Jo Farrell Michael Wallace Insp Ed Turner Sgt Pete Tate and Federation rep Kevin Wilson.