Around 300 family, friends, retired staff and current staff joined together on Saturday, 28 February 2009, for the Force's inaugural Memorial Service to remember members of staff who have died whilst in service.

 

Led by Force Chaplain Georgie Baxendale, the Service was held to honour and remember our colleagues and give support to family members.

 

Pipe Major Drew Sinclair played a fitting tribute for guests arriving. 

 

Held at St Machar's Cathedral, The Chief Constable opened the service and welcomed those who had come.  He explained that it is custom and tradition within the  Police to have a memorial service to remember members of staff who have died whilst in service but that this was the first such service in Grampian.

 

The names of the 89 members of staff on the Roll of Honour were read out during the service whilst candles were lit and their names were added to a Prayer Tree at  the front of the church.

 

A minute's silence was observed and the congregation was invited to 'Light up a Life' by lighting their own candles to represent the lives of those who had died.

 

Clergy representing other Faith groups participated in the Service by giving prayers and readings.

 

After the service guests attended an informal buffet lunch reception at Elphinstone Hall where they were able to meet with friends, chat and mingle.  The Chief Constable and other Members of the Force Executive and senior staff spoke with family members and invited guests including the Lord Provost, Lord Lieutenants, Police Board representatives and former Force Executive Officers.

 

Many of those who attended commented that the moving and poignant event meant a great deal to them and was very fitting.  It gave them, in particular the families, the opportunity to remember their loved ones and move forward with their grief.

 

Chief Constable Colin McKerracher said of the event "This Service brought together staff and guests to honour and remember our colleagues and above all I hope it provided support to their family and friends.  This was the inaugural Service in what is to become an annual event and I would anticipate the event will grow and develop over time. 

 

"It is important that we should not forget our colleagues and that their families continue to receive support from the Force and I would encourage anyone who wishes to come along in future to share in this commemoration to do so."

 

An official Book of Remembrance will be produced and is to be displayed at future Memorial Service events

 

A retiring collection in aid of the Police Dependants' Trust raised £908.31.

ENDS

                                                                

                                     Pipe Major Drew Sinclair plays a farewell lament