It is absolutely right that South Yorkshire Police officers PC Gina Rutherford and PC Glen Howe should be awarded the Elizabeth Emblem, to recognise the sacrifice of officers who have died on duty.<\/p>\n
PCs Rutherford and Howe were named as two of the latest recipients of the honour \u2013 their families will receive the award on their behalf.<\/p>\n
South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: \u201cI’m so grateful for the people behind this, and it\u2019s absolutely right this is done.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m really proud that our officers have been recognised and that the families may get some comfort from this.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, this will never bring their loved ones back, but it is right that they are recognised for their sacrifice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barnsley officer PC Rutherford was just 25 years old when she died from drowning after her patrol car skidded on ice and crashed into the River Dearne in February 1994.<\/p>\n
A memorial bench dedicated to her memory was installed outside Wombwell Police Station last year on the 30th anniversary of her passing.<\/p>\n
PC Glen Howe died 17 years ago in a fatal road traffic collision when he was responding to an emergency incident on 24 October 2008.<\/p>\n
Last year, the force unveiled a special memorial stone in honour of PC Howe near to where the fatal collision took place.<\/p>\n