Council Hosts Recognition Event for RUC George Cross and the Centenary of Policing in NI

The evening acknowledged the great sacrifice of the men and women who served dutifully and bravely in the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross in the centenary year of this organisation and of policing in Northern Ireland. Special Guests included Deputy Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr Andrew Frazer; Sir Ronnie Flanagan GBE QPM; Chairman of the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Foundation, Hon Prof Stephen White OBE and Deputy Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Mark Hamilton.

Speaking at the event, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross commented,

“It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to Mossley Mill this evening. The Council is delighted to see so many here this evening from the RUC George Cross family, both those who served and those who sadly lost loved ones in brave service.  It is also a pleasure to have our PSNI guests here this evening as we recognise 100 years of policing in Northern Ireland. The PSNI provides wonderful support to the Council in keeping our Borough safe and protecting our residents and we extend our gratitude to them. The last 100 years of policing Northern Ireland have seen many changes but what has been consistent has been the dutiful bravery of all the men and women of the RUC George Cross and the PSNI and tonight we in this Council salute you all.”

Sir Ronnie Flanagan GBE QPM commented,

“This has been a wonderful occasion and as a very proud last Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross and first Chief Constable of the PSNI, I deeply appreciate Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council arranging this recognition of Policing in this part of Northern Ireland for the last 100 years. It is a great honour to all my friends and colleagues whom I am so proud to have worked with.”
 

Councillor Sam Flanagan commented,

“It was a great honour to be part of such an event and to recognise such selfless and dedicated service as that given by the police officers of the RUC and PSNI. We are forever indebted to them for that service and it is so important that we gather to appreciate the exemplary policing given to our community.”