National Police Memorial Day Trust

The National Police Memorial Day was founded by Joe Holness, following the brutal killing of fellow Kent Police officer Jon Odell, at Margate, in December 2000. An official annual national day, the NPMD provides a dignified and sensitive service of remembrance to honour the courage and ultimate sacrifice of Police officers throughout the United Kingdom. Since an act of parliament, in 1792, which created the first salaried Constables, almost 4,000 Police officers have been killed on duty, often in brutal circumstances. For those brave souls to be remembered, on at least one day a year, is long overdue. They did not die in vain, they leave a lasting legacy. Their selfless devotion to duty, and supreme valour are an example to us all. A clear indication of why the British Police Service is the best in the world. The NPMD is supported by Royalty, Government and UK Police services. The magnitude of the day indicated by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales becoming Patron in 2006. The service, which rotates around each of the four countries, is held on the nearest Sunday to 29th September. This coincides with Saint Michael's day - The patron Saint of Police officers. The inaugural NPMD service was held at Saint Pauls Cathedral on Sunday 3rd October 2004. Subsequent services have been held each year, in Cardiff (2005) Belfast (2006) Edinburgh (2007) and Liverpool (2008)