Northumbria Police’s PC Jess Turnbull was among those honoured at the National Memorial Arboretum yesterday (Tuesday 28 July) as the policing profession joined together to mark the lives of officers who have died on duty.
The 2026 Ceremony of Remembrance at the Arboretum in Staffordshire, was attended by a wide array of guests, including senior policing figures, government officials and the loved ones of fallen officers.
Jess’s parents, Andy and Janice, were present at the event, after the 19-year-old died in the line of duty in June.
Branch secretary Neil Watkin attended the service alongside Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine.
Neil described the ceremony as a fitting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“It was an honour to attend what was a deeply emotional but incredibly important day for our policing family, giving us the opportunity to pay our respects to those we have lost,” Neil said.
“Each name serves as a reminder that those officers found themselves in those moments through their unwavering courage, selflessness and commitment to protecting others.
“Yesterday’s event was especially moving, with Jess in our thoughts throughout the day.
Legacy
“Jess was in the first year of her service with the Force and had such enthusiasm for the career ahead of her when her life was so tragically cut short. Her death remains profoundly sad and is something that is still incredibly difficult to come to terms with.
“I hope Janice and Andy were able to take some comfort from a beautiful service that honoured Jess’s life and legacy in such a meaningful way.”
Readings, musical tributes, the laying of wreaths and a procession of standards from police forces across the UK were all part of yesterday’s proceedings, which began with a moving National Police Air Service flypast.
This was followed by a performance by the British Police Symphony Orchestra and a personal message from King Charles III, read out by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Graham Morley.
The event was held five years to the day since the National Memorial Arboretum became home to the UK Police Memorial, which was officially opened by the King in 2021, back when he was the Prince of Wales.
Remembrance
Since then, it has welcomed over two million visitors wishing to observe remembrance.
“The UK Police Memorial has become an incredibly important place for the policing family, providing a permanent space to reflect on the lives and service of our much-missed colleagues,” Neil added.
“A visit there is a powerful reminder that those officers will never be forgotten by their profession. It stands as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice and is something we are proud to have on behalf of policing.”
To coincide with this year’s Ceremony of Remembrance, a digital tribute wall has been launched, giving relatives, friends and colleagues the chance to honour the memory of a fallen officer.
Each message written on the tribute wall will be linked directly to an individual’s citation on the Police Roll of Honour, creating a lasting online commemoration space.
The digital tribute wall has been introduced by the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust as part of an existing digital tribute page, which you can visit on the UK Police Memorial website.
READ MORE: Police funeral for Jess Turnbull – branch pays tribute to young officer.