Memorial for prison officers murdered in the line of duty to be considered for Lisburn
Northern Ireland prison officers “murdered in the line of duty” are set to have a Remembrance Sunday ceremony.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) agreed to host the Prison Officers Association to bring about a wreath laying point in the city.
The chamber heard personal links to abduction and murder with the council area having provided lands for three prisons including Maghaberry, Hydebank, and the now closed down Maze.
Alderman James Tinsley said: "We’ve just had Remembrance weekend and it was really good to see, but since that time the Prison Service feel like they would like to have somewhere to lay a wreath.
“There have been 32 officers killed from the first in 1946 to 2016.
“We had three prisons in our council area, the Maze is away now, but they feel that Lisburn would be the ideal spot to have something.
“I am asking that we have engagement with the Prison Officers Association to see if something could be achieved, maybe up around Castle Gardens.
“We already have the Ulster Specials memorial and the local UDR memorial.
“It will be 20 years next month that prison officers got the freedom of the city and perhaps by then it would be appropriate.”
Councillor Brian Higginson added: "These brave men served this community and we still have two prisons within the council area.
“I lost personal friends. I had a relation who was abducted and murdered whilst serving as a prison officer.
“So, I think it is very fitting that we remember those people and give an opportunity every Remembrance Sunday to remember their colleagues murdered in the line of duty.”