A memorial garden was unveiled yesterday, Thursday 13 December, to permanently remember the lives of fallen officers, PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes.
The garden which will be based at Hyde Police Station has been created following generous donations from members of the community, local businesses and police partners.
PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone were tragically killed whilst on duty in Hattersley, Tameside on Tuesday September 18.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable, Sir Peter Fahy, said: “Nothing can replace the two lives that have been lost. But having this peaceful garden area means that we now have a special place for family, friends, colleagues and members of the public, to reflect and remember Nicola and Fiona.”
Tameside Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Nick Adderley, said: “As a Division and Police Force we have been overwhelmed by the support and compassion shown by not only our community but also from those further afield. It is through their generosity and good will that we have been able to make this memorial garden a reality.
“On behalf of my officers here in Tameside I want to say thank you.”
Since the deaths of Fiona and Nicola a number of events have been held in their memory. It includes the recent charity football match on 25 November 2012 between officers from the Division and ex-Manchester City FC players. The event attended by more than 3,000 people raised £3,420 for charity.
On Saturday 10 November 2012, the National Police Guild of Ringers rang a half-muffled peal of Grandsire Triples in memory of PCs Bone and Hughes. The peal consisted of 5040 ‘changes’ of ringing and took three hours to complete at St Michael’s Church at Mottram.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police of London organised a 200-mile bike ride between 6 and 9 November 2012 from Westminster Cathedral, London to GMP Headquarters at Newton Heath. The journey saw the officers joined by GMP officers and staff both old and new at the half way mark in Buxton for the remaining route. The event raised £6,000 for the North West Police Benevolent Fund.