Elizabeth Emblem Will Mean So Much To Families Of The Fallen
The new Elizabeth Emblem, which will be given to family members of police officers and other public servants who have died in the line of duty, will “mean so much” to policing families, South Yorkshire Police Federation has said.
The 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-sector workers. It 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.
Next of kin of the deceased can apply for the Emblem via gov.uk. Nominations will be reviewed by the George Cross Committee and recommendations then made to His Majesty The King via the Prime Minister. Police recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem will then receive their award from a senior representative such as a Chief Constable.
Bryn Hughes, father of Greater Manchester Police officer PC Nicola Hughes, who was killed in 2012, has been campaigning for this recognition for many years, supported by the Police Federation.
Bryn said: “It has been a long journey but very worthwhile. I feel it’s a mixed bag of emotions. It’s relief, and an overwhelming sense of pride. The amount of support from the PFEW has been fantastic – they have been there every step of the way.”
South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “This is unbelievable work that’s been done by Bryn Hughes, and Tiff Lynch and John Partington from the national Federation. Particularly Bryn, because he’s been front and centre, and we thank him for his work on this.
“This is a massive positive, because how can we not recognise our officers and staff who have died in the line of duty? This is going to mean so much to families. We will work with the force and with the families of our fallen officers, to make sure they’re supported in terms of the application process for this. We’ll be very proud to assist people in that way.”