Two policewomen who were killed on duty in September 2012, are among the first to be honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem.
The Elizabeth Emblem commemorates public service workers who lost their lives while on duty, serving as a lasting memory of their bravery. The honour is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross.
PC Fiona Bone (32) and PC Nicola Hughes (23) were responding to a 999 call in Mottram, following reports of a burglary. The call was found to be made by Dale Cregan, who led the officers into a trap and shot, fatally injuring both women.
The gangster handed himself in at a police station, and admitted the attempted murder of three others in a high profile court case the following year. Cregan was convicted of all four murders and three attempted murders and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order on June 13, 2013.
Nicola’s father, Bryn Hughes – who received an MBE last year for services to people affected by crime – along with Fiona’s Father, Paul Bone, have long campaigned for such an honour for fallen public servants, killed in the line of duty. Both men welcome the award.
The design of the emblem includes a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, surrounding a Tudor Crown and the inscription ‘For A Life Given In Service’.
The British prime minister at the time, David Cameron, described the attack as “a shocking reminder of the debt we owe to those who put themselves in danger to keep us safe and secure”, and then chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, Peter Fahy, described the officers as “two very brave and courageous colleagues who exemplified the very best of British policing”.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “We will forever remember the heroism of PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes, who were tragically killed in 2012. They dedicated their lives to serving their communities, and The Elizabeth Emblem will honour their dedication. Their courage continues to inspire us every day.”
Relatives of deceased emergency responders can apply for the emblem on the government’s website by filling in an application form and providing necessary supporting documents to meet the eligibility criteria.
Applications are verified and the George Cross Committee assesses them. Recommendations are made to the king and prime minister.
