Elizabeth Emblem to Honor Police Officers Killed Apprehending Suspects

Two officers from Nottinghamshire Police are slated to be among the initial recipients of a new award for emergency service personnel who lost their lives while on duty. The Elizabeth Emblem, named in tribute to the late Queen, is designated for presentation to the next of kin of over 30 deceased firefighters, police officers, and public servants, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice. PC Christopher McDonald and PC Ged Walker are being recognized posthumously, having both been killed during attempts to arrest suspects. King Charles is scheduled to present these emblems to their families later this year. PC McDonald was 19 years old when he was killed on 17 May 1978. He had encountered a break-in at a jewellers’ shop in Worksop, confronted a group of offenders, and subsequently pursued them. During a subsequent struggle with a suspect, the officer sustained severe head injuries. His mother will receive the Elizabeth Emblem in his honor. His sisters, Elaine Dean and Carol Bullock, stated: “It is really good that he is going to be remembered all these years on. It has been a long time coming.” They added, “I don’t think a lot of people realise that officers put their lives in danger every day when they go to work.” Concluding, they remarked, “They are the thin blue line, and we are really proud as a family.” Dog handler PC Ged Walker was on duty in Bulwell when he was fatally injured 21 years ago while attempting to stop a stolen taxi. He tried to remove the keys from the ignition and was dragged behind the car. PC Walker succumbed to his injuries two days later, on 9 January 2003. His wife Tracy, who will be presented with the Elizabeth Emblem, commented: “We are very proud, and it is nice for the police to be acknowledged by the government for what he did.” She continued, “He has lost his life serving the community. There is no greater sacrifice and something that was never expected.” Chief Constable Kate Meynell informed the BBC that the force was pleased the officers had been formally recognized for their “bravery, courage and dedication.” She stated: “Both were trying to arrest individuals responsible for criminal offences. The impact of that loss is still felt here within Nottinghamshire Police and we are determined and continue to remember their service and sacrifice.” The establishment of this award was announced earlier in the current year, following a campaign that spanned two years. Clare Brunton, from the Home Office, noted that the honor is capable of acknowledging historical fatalities dating back to January 1948. She remarked: “On the military side, there is the Elizabeth Cross.” She added, “It was noticed by a number of people – including some really committed campaigners – that there needed to be something on the civilian side as well.”