Thirty police officers and two firefighters from Northern Ireland have been posthumously honoured with the Elizabeth Emblem, a new commemorative award recognising those who lost their lives while undertaking public service. This significant recognition highlights the profound sacrifice made by individuals across key public services.

The Elizabeth Emblem, announced last year and conferred by His Majesty The King, serves as the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross. It is presented to the next of kin as a mark of national gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This list marks only the second time the Emblem has been issued and the first occasion for recipients from Northern Ireland.

Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Jon Boutcher, today, Friday, 4 July 2025, paid tribute to the 30 fallen police officers – comprising 28 from the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross (RUC GC) and two from the Police Service of Northern Ireland. They are among over 100 people posthumously recognised across the United Kingdom.

Chief Constable Boutcher commented: "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." He continued: "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." The Chief Constable acknowledged that many of these officers lost their lives during the Troubles, a "painful and turbulent chapter" in Northern Ireland's history.

In addition to the police officers, the families of two former Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) firefighters, the late John Nichol and Wesley Orr, have also been awarded the Elizabeth Emblem, becoming the first from NIFRS to receive the prestigious honour.

Welcoming the news, NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings, said: "This is a deeply moving day for our Service and for the families of John Nichol and Wesley Orr, as they become the first recipients from NIFRS to receive the Elizabeth Emblem. Today we recognise the bravery and sacrifice shown by our late colleagues and we will never forget their courage, dedication and service to the community."

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt also acknowledged their courage: "I acknowledge the profound sacrifice of the two late Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service firefighters, whose deaths occurred many years ago but whose courage remains deeply respected. As the first from NIFRS to receive the Elizabeth Emblem, this important recognition pays lasting tribute to their service and bravery. I offer my sincere sympathy and gratitude to their families, who have carried this loss for decades."

The joint recognition underscores the nation's collective gratitude for public servants who have made the ultimate sacrifice, providing a lasting tribute to their dedication and service.