Parents of Deceased Police Constables Applaud New Emblem Award

The fathers of two police officers who lost their lives while on duty have expressed approval for the establishment of an award designed for emergency service personnel who perish in the course of their work. Police Constables Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone were victims of a murder committed by Dale Cregan in Greater Manchester in 2012. Bryn Hughes and Paul Bone, both residing in West Yorkshire, are set to be presented with an Elizabeth Emblem in honor of their daughters, who died during a gun and grenade assault while responding to a 999 emergency call in Hattersley. Mr. Hughes, a resident of Huddersfield, who, alongside Mr. Bone, advocated for an award for emergency service workers who have died, stated it was “vitally important” they were “recognised and remembered.” Mr. Bone, from Pool in Wharfedale, conveyed that every public sector employee who died in the line of duty “should have the opportunity to be remembered and honoured.” This distinction serves as the civilian counterpart to the Elizabeth Cross, which acknowledges members of the UK armed forces who died during combat or as a consequence of a terrorist attack. Mr. Hughes mentioned that politicians had informed him the recognition was “long overdue,” adding “there was an element of surprise that nothing like this existed before.” The fathers met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden on Wednesday concerning their advocacy efforts, with Mr. Bone describing the meeting as the “icing on the cake” for their endeavors. Mr. Bone recounted that Sir Keir told them “he couldn’t imagine losing his children.” He further stated: “We kind of replied: ‘Well, we didn’t actually imagine losing ours either, but once it’s happened, you’ve got to carry on’.” The emblem’s design incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, encircling a Tudor Crown and bearing the inscription “For A Life Given In Service.” When questioned about how his daughter, who passed away at the age of 23, would perceive the award, Mr. Hughes responded: “I know Nicola would be embarrassed.” “I think she’d be pleased and proud that it had happened for us, but I think she’d be embarrassed about it.” Mr. Bone expressed his desire for their daughters to be remembered as “happy, bubbly public servants,” adding: “They were doing their job happily, tried to help people – on that day it just went all wrong.” Mr. Hughes noted that his daughter, who was 32 at the time of her death, “loved the job.” He also remarked: “Police officers put their lives on the line every single day. They don’t know what they’re going into.” “They don’t know what’s behind that door and for me that says a lot about what they do every day.” An Elizabeth Emblem will additionally be presented to the families of two other officers who died while serving with West Yorkshire Police. These individuals are Sgt Michael Hawcroft, who passed away in March 1981, and Sgt John Richard Speed, who was fatally shot in Leeds city centre in October 1984. The family of former West Yorkshire firefighter Hylton Brearley will also be recipients of the award. Mr. Brearley died in December 1976. For highlights from West Yorkshire, listeners can access BBC Sounds, catch the latest episode of Look North, or submit a story they believe should be covered here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.