Public buildings across the country are set to be lit blue as part of the national commemoration for officers killed in the line of duty.

Officers from across the ranks are gathering on Sunday to mark the official day of remembrance for officers who died carrying out their Service.

National Police Memorial Day will be marked at stations across the country with a minutes’ silence at 11am and with the online streaming of a special service at Lincoln Cathedral.

Gathering at the event will be policing leaders officers and the family and friends of officers who have died.

And as a mark of respect, buildings across the country will be illuminated with blue lights.

Police Federation Chair John Apter, who will be attending the service, said: "The National Memorial Day is a time to reflect, pay tribute and remember."

“It’s such an important day in the policing calendar, a day to show the families of those colleagues we’ve lost that their loved ones will never be forgotten.”

The service, organised by the National Police Memorial Day, will be streamed live on the NPMD website and a pre-recorded video including highlights of the live event will be released at 1600 on 26 September.

National Police Chaplain, Reverend Canon David Wilbraham MBE will lead the service.

The National Police Memorial Day said: “We will remember those 5,000 officers who have died on duty since records began. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

Officers being remembered this year include:

Police Sergeant Paul Keaney, Northamptonshire Police
Police Constable Christopher Miller, Metropolitan Police
Police Sergeant Matiu Ratana, Metropolitan Police
Detective Constable Quamar Zaman, Greater Manchester Police

Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Chris Haward, who is helping to host the event said it will be a significant occasion following one of the most difficult year's in policing.

Mr Haward said: “All forces in the UK will be attending, with families who’ve lost loved ones over their service or during their service.

“It’s important at this time that we remember everybody who works for the police and gives their time and their life sometimes to protect others,” he said.

He highlighted that this year will for the first time acknowledge the officers who died after contracting COVID-19.

He said: “It’s also been a really difficult year with COVID-19, and the pandemic and we know that we’ve lost officers and staff as a result of the disease.

“Please take some time out to remember those who’ve served the police service and who serve our communities, who go beyond their normal duty to look after everybody and remember them fondly with respect and with kindness.”

To watch the service go to:http://nationalpolicememorialday.org