‘We must never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service,’ says West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke.

Rich welcomed the announcement of the new Elizabeth Emblem, which will recognise public sector workers who die in service.

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

Rich said: “We warmly welcome the introduction of the new Elizabeth Emblem.

“Police officers put themselves in harm’s way everyday just doing their jobs and we must never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service.

“The new Elizabeth Emblem will allow the nation to honour their dedication and give their families formal recognition of their sacrifice.

The Elizabeth Emblem 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 of the Emblem. 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.

Rich said its introduction was due in no small part to the campaigning of Bryn Hughes, whose daughter PC Nicola Hughes and colleague PC Fiona Bone were murdered in 2012.

Rich said “Bryn has been a driving force behind the Elizabeth Emblem and I congratulate him on the campaign coming to fruition.

“It is tragic for anybody to die in the line of duty. Bryn has worked tirelessly to get recognition, not just for Nicola, but for all public service workers who have been killed in service and this is something he can rightly be proud of.”

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 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.