THE West Mercia Police Federation has welcomed the launch of a new medal to recognise the sacrifice of fallen officers, firefighters, and other public service workers.
The Elizabeth Emblem has been conferred by the King and the families of officers who have lost their lives on duty can now apply for the award.
Steve Butler, chair of West Mercia Police Federation, has welcomed the new award and say it is incredibly important those who die serving their communities are recognised.
“This new posthumous award will, I hope, show the families of our fallen colleagues that their loved ones are not forgotten and that their sacrifice is recognised,” said Steve.
The Elizabeth Emblem will feature a rosemary wreath, traditionally symbolising remembrance, surrounding the Tudor Crown.
It will also carry the name of the individual it commemorates. The emblem will be able to be worn by next of kin alongside any other medals or awards and will bear the words ‘For A Life Given In Service’.
Nominations will be reviewed by the George Cross Committee and recommendations then made to His Majesty The King via the Prime Minister.
Recipients of The Elizabeth Emblem will receive their award from a senior representative such as a Chief Constable, chief fire officer or a Lord Lieutenant.
The Medals for Heroes campaign was launched two years ago by the Police Federation of England and Wales alongside Bryn Hughes, the father of Greater Manchester PC Nicola Hughes who was ambushed and killed along with her colleague PC Fiona Bone in 2012.
Bryn added: “To receive this news that Nicola and Fiona’s 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 many of those, too, will be thankful for this formal recognition.”
The Federation National Board member and Medals for Heroes lead John Partington said: “We’ve waited for this announcement for a number of years.
“I’m delighted by the news the work we have done has helped towards the emblem’s introduction.
“I’d like to thank all those who have contributed to our call for State recognition. Especially other board members and branch chairs.”
Chris Philp, the policing minister, has also welcomed the new award.
He said: “We owe so much to our public servants who make sacrifices every day to keep us safe.
“The Elizabeth Emblem will recognise those who tragically lost their lives in public service and rightly enshrine them in our country’s history.”
