Justice Minister attends Prison Service remembrance service at Hydebank
Date published:
Justice Minister Naomi Long today attended the Northern Ireland Prison Service Annual Memorial Service to remember officers who lost their lives in the course of duty.
During the service at the Memorial Garden at Hydebank Wood, Minister Long laid the first wreath at the Memorial Stone with the Director General, Beverley Wall, laying a wreath on behalf of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Minister Long said:
"This annual memorial service provides the Prison Service family with the opportunity to come together to remember those colleagues who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the people of Northern Ireland. The passing of years has not dimmed our pride in those brave men and women.
"It is important that we pause and reflect on their service and that of the many men and women who have served and continue to serve with dedication and distinction.
"To the family, friends and former colleagues of those we gather to remember today, your loved one and the sacrifice they made will never be forgotten by the Northern Ireland Prison Service."
Minister Long added:
"I am very grateful to the Central Benevolent Fund for their role in organising today's service but also for the invaluable support they provide to the entire Prison Service family throughout the year."
During the service, which was conducted by Prison Service chaplains, a two-minute silence was observed, after which the names of the 32 Prison Service personnel who lost their lives were read out by Officer Ivor Dunne.
Wreaths were laid by Lieutenant Colonel Peter Leckey VR, High Sheriffs of Northern Ireland, Minister Long, as well as representatives of bereaved widows, Central Benevolent Fund, Prison Officers' Association, Prison Governors' Association, NI Public Service Alliance, Prison Service Trust, NIPS Sports Association, Retired Officers' Fellowship, the local branch of the Royal British Legion and by the Irish Prison Service.
