Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Jon Boutcher, has paid tribute to 30 police officers posthumously awarded the Elizabeth Emblem, recognising their loss in the line of duty.
The commemorative emblem was first announced last year, and, conferred by His Majesty The King, is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross.
It is awarded as a mark of recognition to the next of kin of those who lost their lives during the course of undertaking eligible public service.
Today, Friday 4th July, 30 fallen officers – 28 of whom from the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross, and two from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, have been named among over 100 people posthumously recognised across the United Kingdom.
The 30 officers have been listed in only the second ever list published, and the first to include recipients from Northern Ireland.
Commenting, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “Our officers put their lives on the line every day while on duty – protecting the communities they proudly serve – often without forewarning of the potential dangers they may encounter.
“It is with deep humility and respect that we remember these 30 fallen officers – our colleagues and friends who gave their lives in service. Their sacrifice and the enduring grief carried by their families must never be forgotten.
“The Elizabeth Emblem is a poignant and powerful symbol of national gratitude – a recognition not only of the officers’ ultimate sacrifice, but also of the pain their loved ones have been left behind to process and carry.
“Today, I stand with our police families who have lost a loved one – the Elizabeth Emblem serves as a lasting memory of their bravery.
“Many of our fallen colleagues included on the list lost their lives during the Troubles in Northern Ireland – a painful and turbulent chapter in our history. We will honour their memory, and I stand alongside their families in quiet reflection, pride and sorrow.
“The families and loved ones of the officers who have been posthumously honoured have my full support and deepest sympathies.”