The new award is the civilian equivalent of the Victoria Cross
King Charles has presented the first Elizabeth Emblems, recognising public servants such as police and fire fighters who died in the line of duty.
The families of more than 30 men and women received the awards at a ceremony at Windsor Castle - some had waited decades for this public recognition.
This first group included deaths on duty dating back more than 70 years – with the earliest honouring PC Nathaniel Edgar who was shot in north London in 1948.
The design of the award includes a rosemary wreath, which is a traditional symbol of remembrance, and the inscription: "For A Life Given In Service".
Among the fire service personnel remembered was Leslie Marsh from West Midlands Fire Service who died when he fell through the floor of a burning building while fighting a blaze in 1949.
The firefighter's children, Robert Marsh, 81, and Carole Henbury, 83, received the award.
First Elizabeth Emblems for emergency workers who died on duty - BBC News
King Charles presents a new award recognising those who died in public service.
www.bbc.co.uk
