Today (28 July), a dedication ceremony was held for the new UK Police Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, to remember those officers who have served their communities and tragically lost their lives.

To commemorate the dedication locally, today a memorial tree was planted by Devon and Cornwall’s Assistant Chief Constable Steve Parker in the memorial garden at the Police Headquarters in Middlemoor, Exeter.

The service was led by the Force lead chaplain Rev Jonathon Ross-McNairn.

PCC Alison Hernandez and ACC Julie Fielding also planted a memorial tree at Bodmin station with the service lead by Force chaplain Sarah Jeffrey.

From Wednesday 28 July to Sunday 1 August there will also be an illumination on to the front of Middlemoor and Bodmin Police station in memory of officers and staff who have lost their lives.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer attended the national ceremony alongside a bereaved family of one of the Force’s officers.

Members of the royal family, the prime minister and other politicians were also in attendance.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: "This commemoration marks our tribute to the brave officers and colleagues who have served their communities and tragically lost their lives.

Falmouth Packet: A memorial tree was planted by Devon and Cornwall’s Assistant Chief Constable Steve Parker in the memorial garden at the Police Headquarters in Middlemoor, Exeter. A memorial tree was planted by Devon and Cornwall’s Assistant Chief Constable Steve Parker in the memorial garden at the Police Headquarters in Middlemoor, Exeter.

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"We will continue to remember them and their selfless devotion to duty, as they leave behind a lasting legacy.

"Locally, it is important that we also mark this important occasion which is why we have held tree planting ceremonies in Devon and Cornwall."

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "It’s a real honour to be marking this moment by planting the memorial tree at Bodmin Police Station.

"This landmark will live on for generations and act as a constant reminder of the sacrifices of those who came before us.

"It will leave a legacy for Devon and Cornwall and ensure that those who paid the ultimate price will not be forgotten."

The dedication ceremony of the new UK Police Memorial was a one-off event on 28 July at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Its purpose is to remember our policing colleagues who have died and honour the courage and sacrifice of those members of the UK Police Service who have dedicated their lives to protecting others.

In light of public health in respect of COVID-19, staff, officers, and volunteers were encouraged not to gather, but instead watched the national ceremony via a livestream link.