Momentum builds for medal for fallen officers

27 September 2022

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) have put their name to a letter calling on the Government to establish an Elizabeth Medal for fallen police officers.

Military personnel already receive a medal – the Elizabeth Cross - if they are killed in the line of duty and the campaign is calling for similar recognition for police officers who die in the line of duty.

Police Federation Welsh lead Nicky Ryan said: “I am pleased to see this campaign gathering pace with PCCs now getting behind the Police Federation and the Superintendents’ Association to support calls for the creation of this new medal.

“It would be a fitting legacy for this medal to be named after the late Queen who exemplified public service for 70 years.”

The campaign for the posthumous medal was started by Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone, fathers of PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, who were tragically murdered by a gunman in Great Manchester a decade ago. 

Bryn is a former prison officer who campaigned to establish the dedicated UK Police Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. He also runs the PC Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund to help children whose parents have been murdered.

Speaking about the campaign for the medal, Bryn said: “For the likes of me and other family members, it would be a nice feeling to attend certain remembrance services wearing that medal in their memory and their honour.”