Police officers who died in the line of duty are being remembered by colleagues who were today (Sunday July 28) completing a charity cycle ride.
Officers and staff from Durham Constabulary, together with colleagues from the Northumbria force have been taking part in The Police Unity Tour.
The challenge raises money for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS), a charity which supports families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.
It is an annual long-distance ride which sees hundreds of police officers, staff, and their families converge on the UK Police Memorial at the National Arboretum, in Staffordshire, to remember their fallen colleagues.
Detective Sergeant Scott Jameson, PCSO Dean Regan, PC Nick Prest, along with casualty reduction co-ordinator Pete Tate, set off from police headquarters in Durham on Thursday (July 25) on their four-day ride, during which they covered 260 miles, before they arrived at the arboretum today (Sunday, July 29).
On arrival, all the cyclists converging on the arboretum were taking part in a special service to remember those who have lost their lives on duty.
They were joined by Inspector Lee Morris and Phil Stephenson, from Durham Police Federation, who provided support to the riders during their journey.
Chief Constable Rachel Bacon, who set the cyclists off from Durham force headquarters, on Thursday, also attended today's service in Staffordshire to pay her respects.
She said: “Everyday our officers and staff put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities.
“This event allows colleagues from police forces across the country to come together to honour those who have died in the line of duty.
For more Durham news from The Northern Echo, click here
Don't miss out on the latest news and stories. Subscribe to The Northern Echo now for less than a cup of coffee, by clicking here
“They made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their communities and their actions should never be forgotten.
“It also raises vital awareness into the amazing work that COPS do in supporting bereaved families.”
Anyone wishing to make a late sponsorship donation to back the team’s efforts can do so via https://tinyurl.com/3attctn2 or https://tinyurl.com/3wt847w9.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel