Police Unity Tour - riding to remember the fallen

Officers and staff from Wiltshire Police have just returned from a 185-mile cycle ride in memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty.

The team taking part in this year’s Police Unity Tour was seen off from Devizes Police Headquarters on Friday morning (26/07).

The riders made their way over three days to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire – arriving yesterday, Sunday (28/07) where a special commemoration ceremony was held attended by officers and staff from police forces across the UK.

The cyclists also raise money for the charity Care of Police Survivors (COPS) which provides support to injured officers as well as to the families of loved ones who are left behind following the death of an on-duty serving police family member.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills, who led the Wiltshire Chapter, said: "This was our eighth year on the unity tour and like every other year it has been a real privilege for me and those in the team to take part. 

“I want to thank everyone from this year’s Wiltshire Police contingent for playing their bit in honouring the memory of all police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.  In particular we remember the 30 Wiltshire police officers that have lost their lives since 1839 when Wiltshire Constabulary formed, to this current day. 

“The unity tour is a poignant opportunity for all police officers and staff, as well as the wider public, to acknowledge the dangers and risks of modern-day policing and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while protecting our communities.

“Also, the amount of money raised for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity, is truly phenomenal.  Since its inception eleven years ago, the ride has raised over one million pounds to support the invaluable work the charity undertakes.”