Posthumous medal to be given in honour of fallen officers

11 March 2024

The Federation national deputy chair, Tiff Lynch, with Bryn Hughes.

The Government has formally announced that an Elizabeth Emblem will be given in honour of emergency service workers who have died in the line of duty.

Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Gareth Jones has welcomed news that a posthumous award will be given to the family of police officers and other public servants, in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice they have made.

The announcement comes two years after the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), along with the Police Superintendents’ Association and the Prison Officers Association, launched Medals for Heroes, a campaign calling for the creation of such an award.

Gareth said: “This award is long overdue - and I know I speak for everyone here at Dyfed Powys Police Federation when I say we welcome this announcement with open arms.

“When police officers go to work, they routinely put their lives on the line to protect our communities. And while they know there’s always a risk, they never expect not to return home. 

“A posthumous award will not replace them but I know it will mean a huge amount to their families. I hope that The Elizabeth Emblem will demonstrate to their families that their loved one will never be forgotten.”

Bryn Hughes MBE has helped lead the campaign, after his daughter, Great Manchester PC Nicola Hughes was killed while on duty in 2012. Nicola and fellow PC Fiona Bone were tragically murdered while responding to a report of a burglary. 

Bryn said: “Nicola and Fiona went to work that day wearing the Crown and they lost their lives while responding to what they thought was a call for help from a member of the public.  

“To receive this news that their sacrifice is to be formally recognised by the Crown and State is overwhelming.  

“I meet with many other families of fallen officers and I’m sure that many of those too will be thankful for this formal recognition.”

PFEW National Board member and Medals for Heroes lead John Partington said: “Working to get this award introduced has been a long process with many people involved and we would like to thank everyone who has assisted PFEW and Bryn Hughes throughout this campaign.

“This work was primarily done for the benefit of our members and other ‘blue light’ service workers, and we have been calling for such recognition for four years. However, I am also very pleased to hear the Elizabeth Emblem will cover other public sector workers too, not just our members.”

Families of officers who have lost their lives on duty can apply for the award now by visiting gov.uk. Nominations will be reviewed by the George Cross Committee and recommendations then made to His Majesty The King via the Prime Minister. Recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem will receive their award from a senior representative such as a Chief Constable, chief fire officer or a Lord Lieutenant.