Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Luke Mitchell says the new Elizabeth Emblem ‘will mean so much to so many people’.

Named after the late Queen, the Emblem is to recognise public sector workers who die in service.

Conferred by His Majesty The King, it as a national form of recognition awarded to the next of kin of police officers, firefighters, and many other public servants.

Luke said: “We will never forget those police officers and public service workers who have died in the line of duty.

“It’s right and proper that there should formal recognition of their ultimate sacrifice.

“The Elizabeth Emblem will mean so much to so many people who have lost loved ones.

“It’s over due but is most welcome.”

Federation national deputy chair Tiff Lynch and Bryn Hughes were interviewed on BBC News about the Medals for Heroes campaign.

The Elizabeth Emblem is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.

The design of the 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.

Luke paid tribute to the campaign work of Bryn Hughes, whose daughter PC Nicola Hughes and colleague PC Fiona Bone were murdered in 2012.

He said: “Huge credit should go to Bryn, who has worked tirelessly for recognition of those who have died in the line of duty.

“He has campaigned passionately on this for a number of years and finally it has come to fruition. He can be proud of his achievement and the lasting legacy.”

Bryn Hughes 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.”

The new Elizabeth Emblem has been welcomed by Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Luke Mitchell.

John Partington, PFEW national board member and Medals for Heroes campaign lead, said: “Of course 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.

“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.”

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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