Work on tribute to hero police begins
THE NATIONAL memorial for police killed in the line of duty has moved a step closer after work started on clearing the site ready for building to begin.
Over the next few weeks workmen will prepare the area at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire ahead of construction of the 40ft monument. It will be open next spring.
Sir Hugh Orde, chairman of the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust, said: “We have finally started on the journey of creating a fitting place to commemorate and remember those brave men and women from our service who have given so much. It is important we never forget those who have paid that ultimate price.”
He thanked government, business, police and individual donors for their help in raising funds, although £500,000 still needs to be found towards the £4.5million cost. He added: “I would especially like to thank the readers of the Sunday Express for all their support and donations.”
John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “It is only right and proper we honour our courageous colleagues and the sacrifice that they have made. This new memorial, which will complement the other memorials we have, will stand as a permanent monument to their heroism and dedication to duty and a place for solace for their loved ones.”
The monument, designed by Walter Jack, will be surrounded by a lawn with space for more than 1,500 people. It will be built on a circular glade with a ring of trees representing the protective role of the police.
Visitors will be able to view poignant messages about police history. It will be edged with iconic Sillitoe Tartan, evoking the police battenberg blue and white.
A remembrance garden will represent a threshold some officers walk through towards danger but never return.
Last year a specially designed digital memorial was unveiled to pay tribute to more than 4,200 police officers and staff who have died on duty since the 1700s.
● To donate to the police memorial visit ukpolicememorial.org