Elizabeth Emblem to be given in honour of fallen colleagues

11 March 2024

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

An Elizabeth Emblem which will be given in honour of emergency service workers who have died in the line of duty has been welcomed with open arms by the chair of Nottinghamshire Police Federation.

A formal announcement has been made confirming 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 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.

Speaking about the announcement, branch chair Simon Riley said: “We’ve always backed this campaign and we couldn’t be more pleased that our fallen colleagues will formally receive the recognition they deserve. 

“This award will mean so much to the loved ones of officers who have been killed on duty. While it can’t bring back their family members, The Elizabeth Emblem will undoubtedly provide some comfort to those left behind following such tragic circumstances.”

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. 

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: “We’ve waited for this announcement for a number of years. We launched the Medals for Heroes campaign two years ago and this itself was built upon campaigning that we worked on two years before that so I’m delighted by the news the work we have done has helped towards the emblem’s introduction.”

John added: “I’d especially like to thank all of those who have contributed to our call for formal State recognition. Many colleagues have worked with us on this and I’d like to especially thank the other board members and branch chairs who have added their local backing on behalf of the membership.”