A Northumbria Police Federation member has spoken of his pride and emotion at attending the National Police Memorial Day to mark the 15th anniversary of his father’s death while on duty.
PC Harry Gunn, whose dad, Inspector Philip Gunn died in service in 2010, joined officers, families, and dignitaries from across the UK in honouring police officers who have lost their lives.
The service was held at Coventry Cathedral and was attended by more than 1,000 people, including Northumbria Police Federation chair Nick Munnelly and secretary Neil Watkin.
Representing Northumbria Police Force was Deputy Chief Constable Jayne Meir.
Branch chair Nick Munnelly, Deputy Chief Constable Jayne Meir, David, PC Harry Gunn, Sam and branch secretary Neil Watkin
Reflecting on the day, Harry said the scale of the event was unlike anything he had experienced before.
“It’s nice to see so many people,” said Harry, who said his dad was one of the main inspirations for him to go into policing.
“It’s such a big event, so it’s quite warming to have so many people paying their respects. I’ve only ever been to the local Northumbria Police memorial services, but this is on a different scale.
“The parade was really nice to see. It’s all very well organised and really well put together.”
Harry attended the ceremony with his mam Samantha (Sam) and uncle David.
Poignant
And he said that the occasion felt especially poignant for his family.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of his dad Philip Gunn, who died on 21 May 2010 after falling ill while on duty.
Harry continued: “It’s really nice that people have remembered, and it’s really quite touching to be invited down for this. It’s an emotional occasion.”
Sam added: “It’s nice to see so many representatives from forces all over the country, I think it demonstrates unity within the police family.
“I’ve had nothing but support from Northumbria Police and the Police Federation. It’s lovely knowing that Philip will be remembered fondly.
“It means an awful lot to be asked to attend the service with Northumbria Police Federation today.”
When speaking about Harry following in his father’s footsteps, Sam said: “I’m more than proud of him. He was made for the role – it’s great to see him today, in his uniform, standing by my side, as we remember his dad.”
Lost their lives
During the service, Tiff Lynch, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) read out the names of seven officers who had lost their lives during the past year:
PC Ian Minett, 38, of Gloucestershire Constabulary
PC Michael Bruce, 48, of the Metropolitan Police
PC Frank Hawkins, 52, of the Metropolitan Police
PC Marcus Bennett, 44, of the Civic Nuclear Constabulary
PC Rosie Prior, 45, of North Yorkshire Police
DC Karen Smith, 49, of Humberside Police, and
PC Faizaan Najeeb, 24, of Northamptonshire Police, who died just two days before the service.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, gave a Bible readings.
The service, which was also attended by police minister Sarah Jones, included an address from the Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, the Bishop of Coventry.
The Dean of Coventry, The Very Reverend John Wit, and the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Rachel Lancaster, had welcomed the congregation to the service which included music from the West Midlands Police Band, The Big Sing Community Choir and the Choir of Coventry Cathedral.
Prayers
The bidding and opening prayers were led by Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain MBE, associate chaplain of the Jewish Police Association; Imam Mohammad Asad MBE, the West Midlands Police chaplain, and Ashna Tumber, secretary of the National Sikh Police Association.
During an act of remembrance, symbolic candles were lit, one for each of the nations of the UK to remind everyone of the undying flame of devotion and commitment exemplified by the fallen officers honoured within the service:
- Representing England, Kelly Swindells and one-year-old Mabel, the daughter and granddaughter of West Midlands DC Michael Swindells QGM who died on 21 May 2004, aged 44, when he was stabbed by an armed suspect he was pursuing.
- Representing Northern Ireland, Peter Olphert, son of RC John Robinson Olphert RUC who died on 18 January 1983, aged 39, when he was shot by terrorist gunmen while off duty.
- Representing Wales, Lowri MacArthur, a serving Gwent officer, remembering her father PC Terry Davies who was 34 when he died on 23 August 1990 after been struck by a stolen car that failed to stop.
- Representing Scotland, Linsey Dempsey, a serving Police Scotland officer, remembering her father PC Stuart Simpson of Strathclyde Police who died on 28 March 1994, aged 26, when his police car was involved in a head-on crash with a car going the wrong way on a motorway.
Towards the end of the service, the peace bell was sounded and, during a period of silence, petals of remembrance, representing fallen officers, fell from the gallery. The Last Post was then sounded and, after a short silence, Reveille.
Following a closing blessing, the service ended with the congregation, which had filled the cathedral, singing the National Anthem.
The first National Police Memorial Day service was held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Sunday 3 October 2004 and since then the services, which rotate around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each year, are held on the nearest Sunday to St Michael’s Day (29 September) as St Michael is the patron saint of police officers.
National Police Memorial Day 2026 will be held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Sunday 27 September.
READ MORE: Branch chair speaks at yearly Force remembrance event.