A memorial commemorating the life of Metropolitan Police officer Sergeant Matiu Ratana, who was shot dead in the line of duty at a Croydon custody centre, will be unveiled next week.
Sergeant ‘Matt’ Ratana, a New Zealand born British officer, was killed just weeks from his retirement.
Louis de Zoysa opened fire with an antique revolver at a Croydon custody suite in south London on September 25, 2020.
De Zoysa had earlier been arrested and searched but officers failed to find the weapon the 26-year-old had hidden in an underarm holster, with which he shot Sgt Ratana.
The memorial will be unveiled on Wednesday to mark the fourth anniversary of Sgt Ratana’s death. It will take place in a public area outside the custody centre in Croydon.
The officer’s partner and his son, a serving police officer in Australia, will be among those attending the ceremony along with colleagues, friends and VIPs.
The memorial stone has been provided by The Police Memorial Trust and it will be lit up at night.
Trust chairwoman, Geraldine Winner, the wife of film director Michael, said: “The Police Memorial Trust is both honoured and proud to dedicate this memorial to the memory of Sergeant Matiu Ratana on behalf of the nation.
“Matt was a dedicated professional police officer who was killed doing his duty, serving the people of London.
“This memorial is a fitting tribute to Sergeant Matiu. It will also remind the public of the service, sacrifice and inherent dangers police officers face every day.”
Members of the British Police Symphony Orchestra will play during the service.
In a tribute to the officer’s New Zealand heritage, a Māori choir will also perform at the memorial event.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “This memorial is a fitting tribute to Matt, an outstanding police officer, friend and mentor who is deeply missed by all those who knew him.
"I speak on behalf of the entire Metropolitan Police Service when I say how proud we are of Matt's unwavering service and dedication to policing, and to the public. He left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered and his legacy is something we must ensure lives on.
“This tribute will forever serve as a reminder to us all, and future generations, of the ultimate sacrifice Matt made in the line of duty. We will remember him always.”
De Zoysa was given a whole life sentence for murder.
The Police Memorial Trust was set up by the late Michael Winner after the killing of PC Yvonne Fletcher in 1984.
