Two families of Nottinghamshire police officers to receive first Elizabeth Emblems

13 November 2024

The loved ones of PC Christopher McDonald and PC Ged Walker will be presented with the Elizabeth Emblem by His Majesty The King later this year.

The emblem has been created to posthumously honour emergency service workers who lose their lives as a result of serving their communities.

Chris and Ged’s families are two of the first 38 to be presented with the Elizabeth Emblem.

Branch secretary Tom Hill with PC Chris McDonald's sister, Elaine
Dean and mum, Joan Hutton, along with Tracey Walker, widow
of PC Ged Walker, at this year's National Police Memorial Day.

Chris was 19 when he was killed on 17 May 1978, after coming across a break-in at a jewellers’ shop in Worksop and bravely confronting a gang of offenders before chasing them. The officer died from serious head injuries.

Dog handler PC Ged Walker died on duty 21 years ago. He was fatally injured as he tried to stop a stolen taxi. He died two days following the incident on 9 January 2003.

“We’re extremely pleased to see that this award process has begun, and we’re proud to hear that two Nottinghamshire police officers are among those being honoured posthumously for the sacrifices they made,” said Simon Riley, chair of Nottinghamshire Police Federation.

The first recipients named publicly also include Greater Manchester PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, who were ambushed and killed as they responded to a hoax 999 call.

Emergency services

In 2021 Nicola’s father, Bryn Hughes, 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.

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.

“We very much supported the ‘Medals for Heroes’ campaign, which Bryn and so many of our Federation colleagues worked tirelessly for,” added Simon.

“I hope that this will now encourage more families to come forward and apply for the Elizabeth Emblem.”

Find out more about the Elizabeth Emblem.

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