Police officers killed in line of duty should be officially honoured with 'medals for heroes'

Donna Jones, crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has backed calls for a ‘Medal for Heroes’ for emergency service workers – similar to the Elizabeth Cross, which are given to families who have lost a loved one killed in the line of duty.

The campaign was launched by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), the Police Superintendents’ Association and the Prison Officers’ Association, and has now been supported across the country.

Zoë Wakefield, federation chair, said: ‘We welcome the support of (Ms Jones). When you hear about this, you think why hasn’t this been done before?

‘I think it’s really important. It’s important for colleagues and the families of those officers to know that the sacrifice they’ve made has been recognised at a high level. Andrew Harper comes to mind. When you lose your life in circumstances like that, when you were trying to do your job, you’re trying to apprehend criminals, you should be honoured.’

Ms Jones said: ‘This is a very worthy and important initiative. It is so important to recognise the work of police officers and the emergency services.

‘Those who have lost their lives in the line of public duty must be remembered as heroes, as going towards the danger, just trying to keep us safe from harm.

‘It’s right that their families receive an award for the sacrifices their loved ones made. To honour and remember them officially for their benevolence and bravery is something I fully support.’