Elizabeth Emblem: families of Northamptonshire police officers urged to apply

25 November 2024

The families of Northamptonshire Police officers who have lost their lives as a result of serving their communities since 1 January 1948 are being encouraged to apply for an Elizabeth Emblem.

Northamptonshire Police Federation officials are inviting loved ones to get in touch if they feel they are eligible to apply for the award.

The emblem has been created to posthumously honour emergency service workers who lose their lives, serving as a last memory of their bravery.

It is believed that the next of kin of the following officers will be eligible to apply:

PC Dennis Brown, who died on 28 May 1962, aged 33. Dennis was fatally struck by a car killed when he was on night bicycle patrol.
PC Michael Plaice, who died on 28 August 1969, aged 30. Michael was hit by another lorry while he was checking a lorry on the motorway.
Sergeant John Beckett, who died on 8 January 1985, aged 48. John died from injuries received in 1976 after he was assaulted during an arrest.
Sergeant Simon Lilley, who died on 5 November 1991, aged 30. Simon was fatally injured attempting to stop a motorcycle for a traffic census.

The first 38 recipients of the emblem have recently been named publicly. These include Greater Manchester PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, who were ambushed and killed as they responded to a hoax 999 call.

In 2021 Nicola’s father, Bryn Hughes MBE, joined with the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to launch the ‘Medals For Heroes’ campaign calling for formal state recognition for emergency service workers who lose their lives while protecting others.

Elizabeth Emblem

It was announced in March this year that the King and the Government would introduce this with the Elizabeth Emblem, named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.

The emblem features a Tudor crown and a rosemary wreath. The inscription reads ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and the recipient's name is engraved on the back.

Sam Dobbs, chair of Northamptonshire Police Federation, is now actively encouraging local families to get in touch if they would like any assistance with the application process.

“As a Federation, we threw our support behind the ‘Medals for Heroes’ campaign, and I’m extremely pleased that the process to reward, honour and acknowledge the bravery of those who are eligible to receive an Elizabeth Emblem has now begun,” said Sam.

“It was at this year’s National Police Memorial Day in September that I had multiple conversations with Bryn, as well as members of the national board, reflecting on the efforts and success of the campaign.

Eligible

“Seeing so many families unite for that event, to remember, honour and recognise the sacrifice of their loved ones, made me even more determined to locate and reach out to the families of Northamptonshire officers who are eligible for the award.”

A ceremony is set to take place later this year, whereby the first recipients will be presented with the emblems by His Majesty The King.

Details about the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the Government website.

Nominations will be reviewed by the George Cross Committee, and recommendations will then made to His Majesty The King via the Prime Minister.

Loved ones of Northamptonshire Police officers who feel they are eligible for an Elizabeth Emblem wanting support with the application process can contact Northamptonshire Police Federation office.