Annual Memorial Service remembers Northern Ireland Prison Officers

The Northern Ireland Prison Service has today held its annual Memorial Service to remember officers who have lost their lives in the course of duty.

Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Ronnie Armour laid a wreath in memory of the 32 members of the Prison Service who lost their lives in the course of duty, before taking the opportunity to meet their families.

He said: “As a Service it is important that we continue to remember the sacrifice of prison staff who lost their lives.

“The annual Service of Remembrance is a reminder of the professionalism, commitment and dedication of Governors, Officers and support staff of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, past and present, in upholding and maintaining our justice system.”

The service, conducted by Prison Service chaplains, is organised annually by the Central Benevolent Fund (CBF).

Wreaths were also laid by representatives of the bereaved families, 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.

Notes to editors: 

1. The NIPS memorial stone contains the names of the men and women of the Northern Ireland Prison Service who were murdered by terrorists. The first, Officer R Walker, died in 1942; the most recent, Senior Officer Adrian Ismay, was killed in March 2016.

2. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office 028 9052 6444.  Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110. 

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