Officers, staff and stakeholders came together at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to celebrate the Constabulary’s 20th anniversary, and to remember the officers and staff who have died whilst serving in the CNC.
Force Chaplain, Reverend Ian Grainger, welcomed 100 people, with representatives from all 15 CNC operational units (including non-nuclear and SEG) and officers and staff from across all divisions and directorates. The Executive were joined by Jane Sawyers, a Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire, the Chair and members of the Police Authority, and senior representatives from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Rev Grainger led a service, with the Chief Constable Simon Chesterman and Chief Superintendent Tim Needham sharing their reflections on the development of the Constabulary and its role over the past 20 years. Gill O’Connell, a Sellafield staff member, read a poem entitled ‘Teamwork’, a celebration of the way officers and staff work together to deliver our mission.
The Chief Constable laid a wreath at the base of the CNC oak tree, planted on The Beat, an avenue of trees, each dedicated to a force, providing a living memorial to all those who have lost their lives whilst in police service.
Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin, said: “It is right we mark this anniversary as a very important milestone for the Constabulary, and a valuable opportunity to stop and reflect. It is only when you look back that you can see how far we have come. It is also a time for us to remember those who have died whilst serving in the CNC.
I was very grateful that members of the late PC Marcus Bennett and PC Darryl Street’s families joined us on the day. It was an opportunity to let them know that their loved ones are remembered with respect and pride.”
Susan Johnson, Chair of the Civil Nuclear Police Authority, added: “It was a pleasure to join colleagues from across the Constabulary to both celebrate their achievements and remember those we’ve lost. Over the last 20 years the Constabulary has grown and adapted to new challenges and is recognised for its skill and professionalism both in the UK and internationally. These are strong foundations to build upon and I am confident that the CNC’s role in the protection of our critical national infrastructure will continue to expand over the coming years.”
