Memorial for Kent Police Officer

6 July 2010, 06:18 | Updated: 6 July 2010, 06:46

A memorial service has taken place for a Kent police officer who was killed whilst on duty.

PC Phillip Pratt was hit by a vehicle as he and a colleague diverted traffic away from an accident on the A249 in June last year.

A service has taken place at Sheerness Police Station where PC Pratt was based.

A plaque was also unveiled in his memory by Assistant Chief Constable of Kent Police Allyn Thomas.

It reads: "Phillip Pratt 20/05/1983 - 14/06/2009. A dear friend and colleague who died serving the community he loved."

Reverend Keith McNicoll began the service with a prayer and was followed by Chief Inspector Tony Henley, Borough Commander for Swale who said of PC Pratt:

"We all have our memories of Phillip but what I remember most about him was his passion for being a police officer in his local community. Not only is the plaque a reminder of what an exceptional officer he was but it also reminds us of how he paid the highest price for doing the job he loved."

PC Pratt's brother-in-law David Lewis spoke on behalf of the family: "We are deeply touched by today's service and think this is a great way to remember Phillip. He would have loved to see so many friends and colleagues paying respect to him. He is still greatly missed but days like today show us how much he was greatly loved too."

After the service, a cheque for £1000 was presented to the Kent Air Ambulance Trust on behalf of Kent Police's golf section in memory of PC Pratt.