Prison Service honours its 32 dead
Tribute paid in memorial at Hydebank Wood College
THE Northern Ireland Prison Service gathered yesterday to remember fallen colleagues.
In a dignified ceremony held at Hydebank Wood College in south Belfast, staff gather in remembrance of 32 officers who lost their lives in the course of duty.
Head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) Ronnie Armour said the ceremony was full of meaning for him and his colleagues.
He said: “This is an important event for the Prison Service, but also for the family and friends of those we have lost. Today we remember the contribution of our colleagues and pay tribute to them and the important role they played in keeping Northern Ireland safe and in supporting those in custody to change their offending behaviour.”
During the service, conducted by Prison Service chaplains, Mr Armour laid a wreath at the memorial stone.
The event is organised annually by the Central Benevolent Fund to ensure that lost colleagues are not forgotten.
Wreaths were also laid by representatives of the bereaved widows; the Central Benevolent Fund; the Prison Officers’ Association; the Prison Governors’ As- sociation; NI Public Service Alliance; the Prison Service Trust, the NIPS Sports Association; the Retired Officers’ Fellowship, the local branch of the Royal British Legion, and the Irish Prison Service.