The people of Northern Ireland owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women of the Police Reserve, said PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott at a special service of thanksgiving on Sunday 20th March.
The service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, was to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of all reserve officers, full and part-time.
Speaking prior to the event the chief constable said: “The service of thanksgiving is an opportunity to honour our colleagues. The people of Northern Ireland owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women of the Police Reserve.
“Those officers who were murdered are also at the forefront of our thoughts today. Over the course of the last 30 years, there have been numerous families who have had to live with the loss of a father, mother, sister or brother.
“We remember them and their loved ones, as we collectively gather in contemplation of the role that all the reservists have played in our society,” said the chief constable.
The preacher at the service was former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, the Rev Dr Donald Patton, minister of Randalstown Old Congregation Church.
Also attending the service was Her Majesty’s Lieutenant for Belfast, Dame Mary Peters.
Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie read a lesson as did Brian Rea, acting chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
During an act of remembrance Reserve Constable Sam McBurney prayed for the “service and sacrifice given to us by those we have gathered to remember”.
Louis Johnston, the son of murdered officer Reserve Constable David Johnston, said: “For their courage and dedication to duty, we will remember them.”
Madeline Olphert, widow of murdered officer Reserve Constable John Olphert, said: “For the memories we treasure and the love we shared, we will remember them.”
Dean of St Anne’s Cathedral, Very Rev DR Houston McKelvey, commented: “There has always been an excellent relationship between the police service and the cathedral during the 107 years this building has sought to serve God and this community.
“In the past ten years during my time here, this will be the fifth service at which the contribution of the members of the service has been upheld in thanksgiving, remembrance, prayer and praise before God.
“It is fit and proper that this should be so and that a window here on the theme of peace stands in witness to their service, sacrifice and achievement.”