NEWS


ELIZABETH EMBLEM HITS A CENTURY


Over a hundred individuals has now been honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem, a formal State honour recognising public sector workers who have died in service, marking a profound tribute to their sacrifice, dedication, and enduring impact on society


In March 2024, a landmark moment was reached in recognising public sector workers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The Elizabeth Emblem—a formal State award—was introduced to honour those who have lost their lives while serving the public. Announced following a two-year campaign, the emblem stands as a poignant tribute to the dedication and bravery of these individuals, extending beyond the emergency services to encompass all public sector roles. The campaign that led to this State recognition was titled Medals for Heroes, spearheaded by the Police Federation of England and Wales in partnership with Bryn Hughes, father of Greater Manchester Police Officer Nicola Hughes. PC Nicola, along with her colleague PC Fiona Bone, was tragically killed in September 2012 while on duty. Bryn Hughes was among the first to receive the Elizabeth Emblem from His Majesty the King in December of the previous year. Reflecting on the occasion, Bryn shared a mix of emotions: “Receiving this Emblem with Nicola’s name engraved on the back has been a real bittersweet moment. My daughter died doing the job she loved, and she died in the service of her community. Nothing can take away the pain of loss that I feel along with the families of other recipients, however, I am very proud that the campaign I launched alongside the Police Federation has played such a substantial part in the introduction of this formal State recognition. I think Nicola would also be proud of what we achieved here.” The inaugural presentation of the


emblems took place at Windsor Castle on 10 December 2024, where families gathered to receive this solemn recognition. The emblem is not awarded for acts of gallantry, but rather for the loss of life in public service. Families may apply for the emblem via the GOV.UK website, with each application reviewed by the George Cross Committee. The aspiration is that all eligible public sector workers will be honoured through this formal recognition. Since the first ceremony, the Elizabeth Emblem has been awarded privately, with presentations tailored to the circumstances


“I am very proud that the


• Sir Richard Christopher Sharples, Governor of Bermuda, assassinated


• Sir Richard Adam Sykes, British ambassador assassinated by the IRA


in 1973


• Lisa Hallworth, an official at the British Consulate General in Istanbul, who died


in 1979 in a car bomb attack in 2003


campaign I launched alongside the Police Federation has played such a substantial part in the introduction of this formal State recognition.”


of each recipient—whether at a town hall or the individual’s place of work. Families are consulted to ensure arrangements are appropriate and respectful.


• Gwen Mayor, a teacher who died shielding her pupils during the 1996


NOTABLE RECIPIENTS INCLUDE:


• PC Nina Mackay, a Metropolitan Police officer fatally stabbed in 1997 while


Dunblane Primary School massacre


• PC Andrew Harper, who died in 2019 responding to a quad bike theft


searching a property in East London


• Dr Poornima Nair Balupuri, a GP who succumbed to COVID-19 in 2020 while


• Firefighter John Liptrot, who died in 1968 rescuing children from a disused


working on the front lines mineshaft


Earlier this year, the Elizabeth Emblem Association was established to support applications and assist the families of recipients. Backed by the Police Federation, each force is encouraged to form an Elizabeth Emblem Oversight Committee to identify potential recipients and guide families through the application process. The association also works with local historians to uncover individuals who may be


eligible, with applications accepted retroactively to 1948.


For further information about the association’s work, visit www. elizabethemblem.org, where comprehensive details are available. Enquiries can also be submitted via the contact page.


The Elizabeth Emblem stands as a lasting testament to the unwavering commitment of public sector workers. It offers formal recognition of their sacrifice, ensuring their memory is preserved and their contributions honoured. As the emblem continues to be awarded, it serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact these individuals have had on their communities and the nation.


11 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2025


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