National Police Memorial day

Today is Police Memorial day, which was establised a decade ago to remember all police officers who have died in the line of duty. There have been about 4,000 policemen and policewomen who gave their lives for their country since the era of modern policing began in 1829 with the creation by Sir Robert Peel of the Metropolitan Police. There have been twelve scuh deaths this year, most recently PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes. In Cumbria today we particularly remember PC Bill Barker from Egremont, who died when a bridge collapsed in Workington during the 2009 floods while he was directing drivers away from that bridge and thus undoubtedly saving lives. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a mau lay down his life for his friends."

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