Memorial service remembers prison officers who died in line of duty

Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Claire Sugden today remembered prison officers who have lost their lives in the course of duty at the Northern Ireland Prison Service’s (NIPS) annual memorial service.

Senior Officer Adrian Ismay, who died in March following a bomb attack, was among the 32 officers remembered at the ceremony in Hydebank Wood College.

Ms Sugden said: “The annual Memorial Service is an important event in the Prison Service calendar. It is a time to remember all Prison Service staff killed while serving the community. It is a time to reflect on the contribution they made, and also a time to remember their families and loved ones who are left behind.

“I consider it to be a privilege to be able to attend today’s service and meet some of the widows and close relatives of Prison Service staff who lost their lives in the line of duty. They carry their great suffering, pain and loss with dignity. It is important we remember them all.”

Ms Sugden laid the first wreath at the Memorial Stone. Phill Wragg, acting director general, laid a wreath on behalf of NIPS. Wreaths were also laid by the Irish Prison Service.