Sunday 27 September marks two decades since the tragic death of PC Jon Odell, a brave police officer who sadly lost his life in a traffic accident whilst protecting his community.
PC Odell was just 30 years old, and countless other officers since have died before their time whilst performing their duty. This devastating incident inspired the annual National Police Memorial Day, a day where our country remembers those courageous officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their communities and our country.
Marking the Memorial Day Cllr Rosanne Kirk said: "At this time of national emergency, it is more important than ever to remember our fallen heroes like Jon, and all the hard work they do to protect us, our families, and our community.
"This year, I encourage you to make your support for the police known by joining me in donating and spreading awareness for National Police Memorial Day."
As a serving Councillor to people in Birchwood, Lincoln, she has seen first hand what police officers endure whilst on duty on a daily basis. Through working closely with the police, Cllr Kirk know’s how much of their work goes unnoticed despite these individuals regularly placing themselves in great danger for the benefit of the community.
Speaking of the fallen heroes Cllr Kirk added: "I don’t think we do enough to honour the memory of those officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore, we must commemorate their amazing work by supporting National Police Memorial Day this Sunday."
Sadly, 19 Lincolnshire Police Officers have lost their lives on duty since the creation of the Police Force. We look back into our local history, and remember brave officers like Const. William Alcock of the Parish of Holbeach, who died in 1838 whilst attempting to quell a riotous mob, and PC William Gordon Ward who passed away in 1941 when an unexploded bomb detonated following a German air raid. Most recently, we remember SC Scott Ashley Bennett, who died in a collision with a lorry while travelling to a training course at Police Headquarters in 2012
These are just some examples of officers who have sacrificed their life for their duty and their country. These tragic deaths remind us of the modern risks of serving in the police force, and the new threat of COVID which is being faced by all of our brave frontline key workers. We should reflect that these workers are constantly there to protect and help our communities, especially now when we need them the most.
Sadly, due to COVID19, the Police Memorial charity will not be able to meet physically this year. However, next year, the ceremony will be happening in Lincoln Cathedral.
As a member of City of Lincoln Council Cllr Kirk said: "I am proud and humbled that Lincoln Cathedral has been chosen as the location, and it will be personally special for me to reflect on our fallen local heroes in a place so close to our hearts here in Lincolnshire. Registration for the ceremony will open from January 2021.
"This year, please join me in saluting the fallen by sharing your stories and appreciation of heroic police work using social media to share the hashtags: #team999 and #NPMD2020, and if you can, please donate to their just giving page at www.justgiving.com/nationalpolicememorialday."
Donations will help to support the families and colleagues of fallen officers, and demonstrate to them that their sacrifice has not gone unnoticed.
You can read more about National Police Memorial Day - #NPMD2020 at their website www.nationalpolicememorialday.org.
For a full list of the fallen visit the National Police Roll of Honour - https://www.policememorial.org.uk