Trustees & Support Staff

Michael Messinger had a forty year career in the Metropolitan Police Service retiring in the rank of Commander in 2006.

For the last twenty years of his service he was involved in the policing of State events, events policing more generally and oversaw the majority of the specialist uniformed units that supported policing across the capital.

He was responsible for policing the Millennium celebrations in Central London and also oversaw the policing of Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee celebrations across London.

He has had a long association with the Police Memorial Trust as he was one of the police team that Michael Winner contacted and negotiated with during the formative early days of the Trust. He has been a trustee of the Police Memorial Trust since 2016.

Since retiring he has been involved in charity work with St John Ambulance.

Ben served in the Metropolitan Police for 30 years, building a varied and distinguished career—initially in uniformed roles, and later as a detective.

Before joining the Counter Terrorism Command (SO15), Ben was involved in several high-profile murder investigations and national enquiries. His dedication and expertise earned him a place in one of the most critical branches of policing.

While with SO15, Ben was involved in responding to multiple terrorist incidents, including the tragic murder of PC Keith Palmer GM at the Palace of Westminster. In his role as Family Liaison Officer to the Palmer family, Ben played a pivotal role in supporting them during an incredibly difficult time and was instrumental in the laying of the Police Memorial for PC Palmer GM

Kate is proud to follow in her parents’ footsteps and has joined the Trust as a member of the Board of Trustees. Her father, Dennis, worked alongside our Founder, the late Michael Winner, to establish the National Police Memorial in the Mall and in shaping the Trust as it is today. Dennis and Jan retired from the Trust in November 2025 to fully enjoy their retirement and they leave a lasting legacy of dedicated service to honouring our fallen officers.

Kate has volunteered at a number of memorials over the years, including those for PC Palmer and DS Ratana. Her professional career includes working in partnership with a number of police forces which has given her a deep appreciation of the risks police officers face in the course of their duties. Having grown up within the police family, she understands the concerns experienced by officer’s families. A worry felt each time their loved one leaves for work and raising a strength to quieten the thought that they may not return home safely.

This personal connection has fostered in Kate a deeply rooted commitment to remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring they are honoured with the utmost respect and dignity.