Hosted by LBC breakfast presenter Nick Ferrari, the evening included a personal appearance from mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins and a performance by Welsh Tenor Trystan Llyr Griffiths.
Generously sponsored by BT and Police Mutual, over 80 guests from policing and the world of business attended the black-tie function at the top London landmark.
Welcoming guests, Patron of the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust Lord Stevens (former Met Commissioner) talked about the importance of establishing a memorial to commemorate the 4,000 police officers and staff who had been killed on duty. In a moment of reflection, guests were asked to observe a minute’s silence. Sir Hugh Orde, Chair of Trustees, shared his own personal experience of having to deal with the murder of PC Stephen Carroll whilst Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
A video depicting the faces of a number of officers and staff killed on duty was shown to the audience, together with a moving interview from the family of Merseyside PC David Philips who was killed on duty in October 2015, whilst trying to stop a stolen car.
In a lighter moment, Nick Ferrari interviewed both Lord Stevens and Sir Hugh about highlights from their policing careers, with Sir Hugh having the audience in hysterics as he recounted how he had ‘been fired four times’ by the former Met Commissioner.
The evening finished with a charity auction that raised over £16,000 with a number of money can’t buy prizes.
Commenting on the evening Sir Hugh said: “This was a fantastic night, but we never lost sight of what the evening was for – to raise awareness and funding of the Memorial – and to remember and commemorate those officers and staff who have given so much in the service of their country.
“There was overwhelming support from those who attended the evening for the establishment of a new memorial with many recognising that such a fitting tribute was long overdue.”
A selection of photographs from the evening
For further information please contact Chris Webb, the UK Police Memorial press officer, on 07585 220122 or e-mail him at chris.webb@ukpolicememorial.org
