Federation national deputy chair Tiff Lynch and Bryn Hughes were interviewed on BBC News about the Medals for Heroes campaign.
Cambridgeshire Police Federation chair Liz Groom says the introduction of an award to recognise public sector workers who die in service will mean ‘a great deal’ to families and serving officers.
Liz has warmly welcomed the announcement of an Elizabeth Emblem, which is conferred by His Majesty The King, as a national form of recognition awarded to the next of kin of police officers, firefighters, and many other public servants.
And she paid tribute to the campaign work of Bryn Hughes, whose daughter PC Nicola Hughes and colleague PC Fiona Bone were murdered in 2012, and to that of Tiff Lynch, deputy national chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales.
Liz said: “I am really pleased our fallen officers and other public sector workers are being recognised finally
“It’s well overdue but means a great deal.
“I would like to thank Bryn Hughes and Tiff Lynch who without their passion, persistence and perseverance this would not have happened.
“It means a great deal to both the families of our brave officers who have been lost , and current serving officers who feel proper recognition has finally been recognised for the risks and danger they face.”
The Elizabeth Emblem 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.
The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem. It will include a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.
The Emblem recognises how the sacrifices made by public servants who have lost their lives as a result of their duty could be recognised within the honours system.
Bryn Hughes said: “Nicola and Fiona went to work that day wearing the Crown and they lost their lives while responding to what they thought was a call for help from a member of the public.
“To receive this news that their 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 that many of those too will be thankful for this formal recognition.”
John Partington, PFEW national board member and Medals for Heroes campaign lead, said: “Of course this work was primarily done for the benefit of our members and other blue light service workers, and we have been calling for such recognition for four years, however I am also very pleased to hear the Elizabeth Emblem will cover other public sector workers too, not just our members.
“Working to get this award introduced has been a long process with many people involved and we would like to thank everyone who has assisted PFEW and Bryn Hughes throughout this campaign.”
PFEW will now continue the work of its Medals for Heroes campaign with all 43 represented forces.
The work will now be focussed on recognition for acts of gallantry or bravery from police officers. This will be done under the honours and awards system already in place.