The fathers of murdered Tameside Police Constables Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone’s have successfully campaigned for a special award for emergency services workers killed in the line of duty.
Bryn Hughes, the campaigning father of Nicola Hughes, said he was “overwhelmed” by the government’s decision to award The Elizabeth Emblem to public servants killed as a result of their work.
The Emblem will be awarded as recognition to the next of kin of “those who lost their lives in the course of undertaking eligible public service.”
Mr Hughes and Paul Bone daughters PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone, were two unarmed police officers that were murdered in Greater Manchester in 2012.
The 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.
Mr Hughes said: “My initial campaign was focused on emergency service workers, police officers, paramedics, firefighters.
“But it’s been broadened to include public sector workers, the two MPs who were sadly murdered, and potentially NHS workers who lost their lives in the pandemic. The scale of this is phenomenal.”
He added: “There was nothing tangible, there was no formal statement of recognition for the likes of Nicola and Fiona who lost their lives that day. And there were other police officers… and that’s why I thought there needs to be some sort of recognition.
“I have said this time and time again, that morning in September 2012, Nicola and Fiona both went to work serving the Crown and wearing the crown on their uniform.
“It’s now only right and fitting the Crown recognises that sacrifice.”
The award will be conferred on the bereaved families of police officers, firefighters and other emergency workers and public servants by the King.
Oliver Dowden, the deputy prime minister, said: “We will not forget those who died in our service.
“The Elizabeth Emblem will bring the nation together to honour the dedication and commitment of these exceptional public servants who have given their lives in service of the United Kingdom.”
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”. It will have the name of the person commemorated inscribed on the reverse, and will also include a pin so it can be worn by their next of kin.
PCs Bone, 32, and Hughes, 23, were on a routine patrol on September 18, 2012, when they were sent to Abbey Gardens, Mottram, to investigate a burglary.
The 999 call was made by Dale Cregan, who had led the officers into a trap.
After arriving at the house where the burglary had been reported, the officers came under attack, with 32 gunshots being fired from a pistol within 31 seconds, and one hand grenade being used.
Fiona Bone died at the scene while Nicola Hughes was badly wounded and died later in hospital.
Dale Cregan, who lured them to their deaths while on the run from police for previous killings, received a whole life jail term in June 2013 after admitting their murders.
As well as campaigning for the Elizabeth Emblem, Mr Hughes set up the PC Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund, aimed at helping those dealing with grief due to violent crime.
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