Robert Dallow is honoured with Elizabeth Emblem

25 September 2026

Thirty years after he died in the line of duty West Midlands PC Robert Dallow has been recognised and honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem. His widow, Heather, has written her own account of receiving this recognition.

‘A life given in service’

My name is Heather Dallow, the widow of PC Robert John Dallow who tragically died on 17 December 1995. Robert joined West Midlands Police on 3 February 1975 and prior to joining the Force was a laboratory technician in the rheumatology and allergy research unit at the University of Birmingham. He was also a drummer in a professional jazz group.

Robert definitely had a calling to go in another direction and serve the public as a police officer. But he never wanted promotion and was very specific about that. He died during a high-speed pursuit while an observer in the passenger seat of the police car. A member of the public was also sadly killed during the pursuit and the police driver of the vehicle that night served a prison sentence after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Some might ask why in these circumstances have I received the Elizabeth Emblem in recognition of my husband’s death?

But I would say unequivocally that the emblem seeks to recognise that officers strive to give of themselves for others, very often putting themselves in perilous danger while doing that and seeking to maintain law and order.

Robert himself very often said to me that he felt it was extraordinary really that officers put on a dark blue outfit and suddenly had to do very dangerous things that they wouldn’t naturally do in their normal everyday clothes.

In 1975, I remember very formal police uniforms, the blue shirts for PCs, the wooden truncheons, cloaks with numbers on the collars, clipboards that were taken to people’s doors as a form of protection and officers patrolling areas with shops checking the doors were locked securely. Society changed dramatically during Robert’s 20-year service and perhaps something that officers don’t talk about is at times being scared and frightened as I know Robert was towards the end of those years of service.

Not long before he died, Robert had sent away for Open University study manuals on computing and had told me of his decision to study so that he could get a qualification in this area so he could ‘call it a day’ with his police career.

Those manuals arrived after his death, a life given in service publicly recognised with the award of the Elizabeth Emblem.

The right choice for me

I am sure some might think it unusual that my emblem was non-police presented but for me that was the right choice.

I had initially started to attend the Salford Priors Warm Hub each Thursday to help my mother, Edna, who is 100-years-old, combat social isolation but we soon found a community of friends who have given support and friendship to us both.

Others I know have been presented with the emblem by Royalty and at various other venues by the King’s representatives, but I wanted to receive this honour from someone who actually knows me and, alongside the Warm Hub team of Jan, Rosemary and Ed, Councillor Kim James was the person I wanted to present me with the emblem.

Cllr James and the rest of the team show the same selfless qualities I know Robert had. The Salford Priors Warm Hub has made an immense difference to the wellbeing of both me and my mother and we are so grateful for the kindness they show week after week and their hard work providing tea, food and company. They are truly very special people.

On presenting the emblem to me in the presence of my mother, my sister, Julie, the hub team and regular attendees, Councillor James said: “Heather, no award can ever replace the husband you lost, nor erase the pain that your family has endured. We hope, however, that this emblem serves as a visible expression of the nation’s gratitude and as a reminder that Robert’s courage, commitment and selfless service continues to be remembered with the deepest of respect.”

He said: “It is my great privilege and honour to have been asked to present you with the Elizabeth Emblem in memory of Police Constable Robert Dallow. May it stand as an enduring symbol of a grateful nation’s appreciation for Robert’s service and sacrifice.”

Following the presentation, everyone had lunch thoughtfully prepared by the Warm Hub team. I was wished well by toastmaster Reuben Lynch and everyone raised a glass. I was presented with the most beautiful arrangement of flowers as part of my special day. I gave a short talk about Robert and took along a few items of interest including his police helmet. The hub had also projected a large photo of Robert on to a large screen as a backdrop. I truly couldn’t have had a more special morning.

This was all done on what would have been Robert’s birthday, 16 July. It was just fantastic and so personally special for me.

I would advise others who are awarded the Elizabeth Emblem to really think about how they want to receive it and make it relevant to who they are especially as time goes on as in my case police colleagues have retired and have in many instances moved away.

About the Elizabeth Emblem

The Government announced the introduction of the Elizabeth Emblem, named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, in March 2024. It is awarded as a mark of recognition to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the course of undertaking eligible public service.

The first recipients named publicly included Greater Manchester PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone who were ambushed and killed as they responded to a hoax 999 call in September 2012.

In 2021 Nicola’s father, Bryn Hughes, joined with the Police Federation of England and Wales to launch the ‘Medals For Heroes’ campaign calling for formal state recognition for emergency service workers who lose their lives while protecting others.

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.

 It was announced in January this year that the emblem had been awarded to the families of four West Midlands Police officers – PCs Philip Sanderson, who died on 10 August 1978, Gavin Carlton who died on 19 December 1988, Robert Dallow, who died on 17 December 1995, and DC Michael Swindells who died on 21 May 2004.

Find out more about the Elizabeth Emblem.