Medal for officers killed on duty moves a step closer

27 September 2022

Gwent Police Federation is hoping a campaign to honour police officers killed on duty with a posthumous medal is nearing success.

Matthew Candy, branch chair, was reacting to the news that 26 Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are the latest to back a campaign for the creation of the Elizabeth Medal led by Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone, fathers of Manchester officers PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone who were murdered on duty after attending an emergency call in 2012.

The PCCs have added their names to a letter to Home Secretary Suella Braverman endorsing the idea of a police version of the Elizabeth Cross which is awarded to members of the British Armed Forces who are killed in action.

Matthew said: “The creation of this medal would be a fitting way to recognise those police officers who give their lives in serving their communities. Naming it after Queen Elizabeth II who dedicated her life to public service would be particularly poignant right now.

“I am pleased to see that this campaign is gathering support and hope that the Home Secretary will also give it her backing too.”

The campaign has also been endorsed by the Police Superintendents’ Association.