Minister and RUC George Cross Foundation honour fallen officers ahead of National Police Memorial Day

(L-R) Pictured in the ‘Area of Peace’ RUC George Cross Foundation Memorial Garden, located at PSNI headquarters, Belfast is RUC GC Foundation volunteer Michael Wilson QPM; Justice Minister Naomi Long; RUC GC Foundation volunteer Roy Black and RUC GC Foundation Chairman Stephen White OBE where they took time out to reflect on the sacrifice made by police ahead of National Police Memorial Day.

Justice Minister Naomi Long has joined Stephen White, Chairman of the RUC George Cross Foundation, to pay tribute to the sacrifice of police officers ahead of National Police Memorial Day.

The two visited the RUC George Cross Memorial Garden, where they met members of Northern Ireland’s policing family, including current and former officers from the PSNI and RUC, police support staff, volunteers, and relatives of those who served.

Speaking during the visit, Mrs Long said:

“National Police Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to remember the sacrifice made by police officers who are at the heart of community safety. They serve without fear or favour and run towards danger when most people walk away.

“Today, we again remember the sacrifice made by many of those serving our community – and the colleagues and families that are left behind to deal with that void.

“We also thank those serving officers who work tirelessly, in dangerous and challenging situations, to ensure Northern Ireland remains one of the safest places in the UK to live.”

Ahead of National Police Memorial Day, Justice Minister Naomi Long visited RUC George Cross Foundation Memorial Garden where she met volunteers including Roy Black, Rab Gardiner, Edwina Tester, June Butler, RUC GC Foundation Chairman Stephen White OBE, Michael Davidson BEM and Michael Wilson QPM

Stephen White praised the ongoing support for the Foundation and emphasised the importance of remembrance. He said:

“I was pleased to meet the Minister along with some our volunteers and trustees. We are all dedicated to the Foundation’s aim of ‘marking the sacrifices and honouring the achievements of the RUC’ and the Memorial Garden is a truly wonderful asset to do just that.

“Every day we host visitors from near and far, but this weekend is especially important as we join with police colleagues and their families from all over the UK to remember officers who lost their lives in the service of others. The Minster’s support is greatly appreciated.”

During her visit, the Justice Minister met RUC George Cross Foundation volunteers and expressed her gratitude for their contribution to supporting the policing family.

Among those present was Michael Davidson BEM, a former RUC and PSNI officer whose wife Yvonne will read a lesson at the National Police Memorial Service in Coventry. Also in attendance were Michael Wilson QPM, who survived being shot six times in an ambush, and Edwina Tester, Chairwoman of the RUC GC Widows’ Association.

Reflecting on the role of the Foundation, Mrs Long added:

“I want to thank to the RUC George Cross Foundation volunteers for the work they quietly do. This splendid garden is a living testimony to those officers who have died, ensuring their memory and sacrifice will live on for generations to come.

“It’s also a place for families and colleagues to quietly reflect and for others to learn more about the significant contribution men and women have made to policing here.”

National Police Memorial Day, held annually in the UK, honours fallen officers and provides an opportunity for families, colleagues and communities to come together in remembrance.