Momentum builds for Elizabeth Medal for fallen officers

27 September 2022

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) have put their name to a letter calling on the Government to establish an Elizabeth Medal for fallen police officers.

Military personnel already receive a medal if they are killed in the line of duty and the campaign for the new medal calls for police officers to be similarly recognised.

West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke said: “I met Bryn several years ago now, sadly after Nicola was murdered on duty with her colleague Fiona Bone, and count him as a friend. I know from him the difference such recognition would make. It is only right for police officers who give their lives in serving their communities to be honoured with a posthumous award.

“The Police Federation and the Police Superintendents’ Association have already got behind this campaign and I am pleased that the majority of PCCs are now adding their support.

“Let’s hope the Home Secretary is equally supportive.”

The campaign was started by Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone, fathers of PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, who were tragically murdered by a gunman in Great Manchester a decade ago. 

Bryn is a former prison officer who campaigned to establish the dedicated UK Police Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. He also runs the PC Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund to help children whose parents have been murdered.

Speaking about the Elizabeth Medal campaign, he said: “For the likes of me and other family members, it would be a nice feeling to attend certain remembrance services wearing that medal in their memory and their honour.”