BELFAST - The 23rd National Police Memorial Day was held at Belfast's Waterfront Hall on Sunday 27 September 2026, with nearly 2,000 people in attendance.

The event honoured all 4,660 police officers who have died on duty, with their names listed on the Roll of Honour. The names of eight officers who died in the past year were read aloud by Liam Kelly, Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, followed by a two-minute silence.

Family members of fallen officers participated in the service, which remembered their commitment and sacrifice. Candles were lit for officers from each of the four nations of the United Kingdom.

Representing Northern Ireland, Jackie Gorman, mother of Police Constable Kevin Declan Gorman of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, who died on 23 November 2008 while responding to a call, lit a candle alongside representatives from Wales, Scotland, and England.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood gave a reading, stating that policing is a calling answered by those with courage to place themselves in harm's way, and that the day honours officers who fell in the line of duty.

Representing The King, Lord Lieutenant Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle presented the Elizabeth Emblem to the brother of Detective Constable Michael Swindells of West Midlands Police, who died on 21 May 2004 after being fatally stabbed while pursuing a suspect in Birmingham.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said it was an enormous privilege to host the event in Northern Ireland and to spend time with families of fallen officers from across the UK. He noted that the PSNI will mark 25 years in the coming months and reflected on the progress made.

Boutcher stated that police officers put themselves in harm's way every day to keep people safe, and that the memorial day is an important opportunity to remember those lost and others who continue to put safety above their own.