Blue light motorcyclists honour fallen colleagues
The Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Service of Remembrance takes place at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Alrewas on today
Staffordshire Police motorcyclists are taking part in an annual event to honour officers and staff lost in service.
The Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Service of Remembrance takes place at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Alrewas on today (3 August).
Members of the Staffordshire-based Blue Knights England XI motorcycle club, alongside riders from Blue Knight chapters across the UK, will kick-start proceedings with a procession of bikes, alongside Staffordshire Police motorcyclists and Police Unity Tour participants, who have cycled the length and breadth of the country to raise funds for COPS.
The Blue Knights England XI is made up of active and retired law enforcement officers, including many from our force family.
David Eatough, a former Staffordshire Police officer, will be taking part.
He said: “After funding the very first survivor day back in 2003, the Blue Knights XI chapter along with other UK Blue Knight chapters have continued to raise money and awareness for COPS ever since.
“Every year we hold our Lawride, with invited guests from Blue Knight chapters and other LE motorcycle clubs from all over the UK, Ireland and Europe, riding together through the NMA to show support to the families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers.
“To date we’ve contributed around £40,000 to COPS and we’re proud to support such a great cause and maintain our relationship with Staffordshire Police.”
Sergeant Anthony McKenzie, from our road harm prevention team, said: “We are proud to play a part in the service of remembrance in support of our blue light colleagues, those both still with us and those we have sadly lost.”
The service of remembrance forms part of a whole weekend of activities for surviving family members.
Staffordshire Police Chief Constable, Chris Noble, recently became Chair of Trustees for COPS after serving on the charity’s board of trustees as a volunteer since 2022.