Chair warmly welcomes introduction of Elizabeth Emblem

14 March 2024

The chair of Gwent Police Federation says he’s ‘absolutely delighted’ at the announcement of a new award to recognise public sector workers who die in service.

Matthew Candy has warmly welcomed the new Elizabeth Emblem, which will be given to the families of police officers and other public services who make the ultimate sacrifice.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), along with the Police Superintendents’ Association and the Prison Officers Association, have been campaigning for such an award

Matthew said: “We’ve supported the Medals for Heroes campaign from the start and I’m absolutely delighted that we’re now going to be able to formally recognise those officers and those public servants killed while on duty.

“And while it won’t be able to bring their loved ones back, to have the recognition of the nation I’m sure will mean a huge amount to their families and hopefully provide them with some comfort.”

Matthew paid tribute to the work of Bryn Hughes MBE has helped lead the Medals for Heroes 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. 

And he also thanked the First Minister Mark Drakeford and members across the Senedd for their support of the campaign.

“It’s been a long journey, and wouldn’t have been possible without the campaigning of Bryn Hughes,” he said.

“Bryn has worked tirelessly on this campaign and he can be proud of what he’s achieved.

“Thanks also go to Mr Drakeford and the cross-party support the campaign received in the Senedd.

“It was a huge boost to the campaign and helped it to reach its goal.”

The design of the Elizabeth Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem. It will include a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased. 

The Emblem recognises how the sacrifices made by public servants who have lost their lives as a result of their duty could be recognised within the honours system.

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 will now continue the work of its Medals for Heroes campaign with all 43 represented forces.

The work will now be focussed on recognition for acts of gallantry or bravery from police officers. This will be done under the honours and awards system already in place.

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