A MEMORIAL service honouring Dorset Police officers and staff who died over the last year has been held.

Held at Wimborne Minster church, Dorset Police Chief Constable Scott Chilton was joined by Wimborne mayor Kelly Webb, a National Association of Retired Police Officers representative, as well as colleagues, family and friends of those who died.

The service remembered 10 Dorset Police officers and staff.

Chief Constable Chilton said: “It is the greatest honour to be able to represent the police service in the coming together, for times of reflection, honouring those who have given so much for public service but have sadly passed.

Bournemouth Echo: Chief Constable Scott Chilton remembers Dorset Police officers and staff who died from 2020-21. Picture: Dorset PoliceChief Constable Scott Chilton remembers Dorset Police officers and staff who died from 2020-21. Picture: Dorset Police

“As the Chief Constable I am honoured and privileged to lead the men and women of Dorset Police, officers, staff, special constables and volunteers. Dorset Police foundations are secured with an incredible bond among its family, which only makes the loss of a colleague that much harder.

“I see daily, the kindness, determination and compassion shown by all those who choose to serve the public, to give back to society to make our communities a better place.”

Those remembered were:

  • Sergeant Ian Woodward
  • Bureau officer Ginny Owers
  • Licensing officer Stan Mackrell
  • Covert authorities coordinator Nigel Roff
  • Constable Mandy Berrystone
  • E-fit officer Carin Dey
  • Constable Martin Vaughan
  • Police volunteer Leon Spencer-White
  • Police volunteer Ted Bain

Assistant Chief Officer Jo Mosley also said a few words at the service, which she concluded with a poem. There were also readings from the Dorset Police Federation chair and a Unison representative.

In addition, managers and colleagues of those who died lit a candle and a second act of remembrance was held where the congregation was invited to tie a ribbon on a tree in memory of a loved one.

The service was presided over by Dorset Police lead chaplain, Reverend Simon Evans.