THE death of Powys police officer Gareth Earp will mean the National Police Memorial Day will take on added significance this year.

Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys Police, Richard Lewis, will join representatives of the force, the Dyfed Powys Police Federation, as well as colleagues from across the UK at this year’s service, to pay their respects and to remember those officers who have been killed or died in the line of duty.

Officers being remembered will include father-of-three Gareth, who died in June following a road traffic collision as he travelled home from work on the A470 near Rhayader.

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“Inspector Gareth Earp was lost to us at Dyfed-Powys this year and so it is particularly poignant this year,” said Chief Constable Lewis.

“While we spend personal time on a daily basis reflecting on the ultimate sacrifice made by officers, the National Police Memorial Day is an opportunity to externalise that reflection together and to remind the families left behind that we remain committed to them and that the profound loss they’ve suffered is honoured forever.”

He said National Police Memorial Day was a chance to show support for the families of fallen officers.

It is rotated around the four nations of the United Kingdom and is held on the closest Sunday to September 29, which is St Michael’s Day, the patron saint of policing.

Added significance is also added by Wales hosting this year’s service. Following a venue change, it will now be taking place at the New Theatre in Cardiff this Sunday, September 24.

“I’m proud that Wales is hosting the event this year and we get an opportunity as a nation to contribute to the ongoing responsibility to honour the fallen,” added Chief Con Lewis.

“It’s vital that an annual act of remembrance continues and that families of our fallen colleagues see that we remember and honour the sacrifice.

“Families tell me how important events such as this are, but I also think it's important that the officers working today, who recognise the danger within which they sometimes work, see that when the ultimate sacrifice is made, we gather around the family that is left behind and support them.

“It’s a unique and moving service worthy of attendance. Each time I attend, I come away profoundly moved by the contributions made during the service and the dignity afforded to the families that grace the event with their attendance.”

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Gareth was just 43 when he died at the scene of the two-vehicle crash between Rhayader and Llangurig on Thursday, June 29.

He was a serving inspector at the time, as well as being a prominent member of his local community, including being chairman of Rhayader Town Football Club.

His funeral was held at St Clement’s Church, Rhayader, on Friday, July 21. He is survived by his wife, Tamsin, and three sons; Ethan, Theo and Joel.

A fundraiser organised by a friend and set up for anyone who wished to give something back to his family raised over £11,000.

An online tribute wall has been launched for people to add their own messages to remember fallen officers.

Visit the National Police Memorial Day website at https://www.nationalpolicememorialday.org/ for more information including how to book your place at the service.