Co-lead welcomes Elizabeth Emblem to recognise public service workers killed in the line of duty

11 March 2024

The Police Federation’s Welsh co-lead Leigh Godfrey has warmly welcomed the announcement of formal State recognition for public sector workers who die in service.

The Elizabeth Emblem, which is conferred by His Majesty The King, is a national form of recognition awarded to the next of kin of police officers, firefighters, and many other public servants.

The award 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. 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. 

National Federation deputy chair Tiff Lynch and Medals for Heroes campaigner Bryn Hughes.

Leigh, Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) National Board member, said: “I think The Elizabeth Emblem is vitally important and its introduction is hugely welcome.

“The fact that it’s got royal support and is dated back to 1948 gives it the importance and gravitas it deserves.”

Leigh thanked Bryn Hughes for his campaign work in making the Elizabeth Emblem a reality.

Bryn, whose daughter PC Nicola Hughes and colleague PC Fiona Bone were murdered in 2012, has been calling for an award to officially recognise the sacrifices of police officers and emergency workers.

Leigh said: “It must be an emotional but proud day for Bryn Hughes, and for everyone whose loved one has given their life in the line of duty. It’s a great recognition and legacy to leave behind.

“Without Bryn being the face of this I don’t think we’d be where we are. He has been instrumental in bringing this to being.

“It was tragic losing Nicola in the way he did, and he’s used that tragedy to try to make a difference for not only police but all emergency workers, which is fantastic.”

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 formerly 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.”

John Partington, fellow 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.