POWERFUL and emotive messages of thanks were given yesterday to police officers who have lost their lives protecting communities across the capital.

Senior officers and political figures lead tributes to those who have paid the ultimate price while serving in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

About 200 friends, family and colleagues stood in sombre yet bravely stoic remembrance of their loved ones at the Hendon training college, in Aerodrome Road.

The eighth annual memorial service was a chance to commemorate the lives of more than 650 police officers and staff who have died in the line of duty since the MPS was formed 180 years ago.

This year, special mention was given to Detective Sergeant John Gilbert, a respected child abuse investigator based in Edgware, who died in a diving accident while away with the Metropolitan Police Sub Aqua Club in August 2009.

He was posthumously commended for saving an inexperienced diver who had fallen into difficulties in the English Channel, off Littlehampton.

MP Nick Herbert, minister of state for policing and criminal justice, said at the ceremony: “This service is a very powerful reminder to me and the Government about why we should value police officers in our society, about the commitment which every single officer makes to protect life, and about the fact that every year there are officers who have lost their lives in the course of their duty.

“This Government will never lose sight of the value of police officers and what they do for the public, for our constituents, to look after us. For the fact they make a commitment to look after us and honour that commitment, and a few pay the ultimate price. We will never forget that.”

Buglers pierced the cold autumn air with a rousing rendition of the Last Post before a minutes silence. Mourners were then invited to approach the memorial in the main court yard to lay a wreath and immerse themselves in a period of quiet reflection.

Mothers joined fathers, siblings, grandparents, colleagues, sons and daughters in the short walk along the blue carpet to the large stone monument bearing the words: “In remembrance of those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.”

Each person paid their own separate tribute, but all were united under the feeling of pride for the service their loved on had given to the force.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson said: “Today is hugely important. It allows the families to come and have memories of where their loved ones passed through.

“It allows to associate with and still feel part of the Metropolitan police family.

“As commissioner it does allow me to pay due respect to those that have passed and the people who have lost so much.

“The opportunity to celebrate lives, mourn losses, and more than that, pay homage to what they did, is an opportunity that needs to be grabbed. It is a very moving ceremony and I know speaking to the relatives who we see every year, it is clear to me they value it.”

The memorial service also offered a chance for those grieving to come together and share in the support they can offer each other.

PC George Small, 29, died in January 2009 when his motorcycle crashed on his way home from duty on Bromley Common.

His wife Polly attended yesterday's service, and said: “It is a chance to come and meet people who understand what I'm going through.

“It is an opportunity to grieve together with people who are going through the same thing. I know no matter what I will always want to come to this.”