PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes get posthumous award
PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes have been posthumously given the first ‘Women in Policing’ award in recognition of their dedication to duty.
A session celebrating a century of women in policing closed with the inaugural ‘Women in Policing’ award being given to the officers. The award was received by Fiona’s father Paul Bone and sister Vicky; and Nicola’s father, Bryn Hughes.
Pictured left to right are Vicky Bone, Paul Bone, Bryn Hughes and PFEW chairman Steve White.
The new annual Women in Policing award has been created to give national recognition for outstanding endeavours and dedication to duty.
Mr White said: “Fiona and Nicola’s sacrifice will forever be etched in our memory and they are very worthy recipients of the ‘Women in Policing’ award in its inaugural year.
“I would like to thank both the Bone and the Hughes families for joining us and accepting this award on behalf of Fiona and Nicola – two courageous officers who gave their lives for the communities they were proud to serve.”
Speaking after the presentation, Nicola’s father, Bryn Hughes said: “Emotionally it’s a massive thing to accept the award. I think it should be seen as a celebration of Nicola and Fiona’s life and not a concentration on what happened to them.”
Mr Bone described the gesture as a “lovely acknowledgement”. He added: “It’s a great thing for the Police Federation to acknowledge the role of women in policing over the years. Fiona and Nicola gave the ultimate sacrifice but they were just doing their job.”
Sue Hughes, Nicola’s mother, was unable to attend the presentation but paid tribute to female officers being vital and valuable members of the police service. She said: “As Nicola’s mum, our family are very proud and honoured to receive this on behalf of Nicola and Fiona, but we also accept this award on behalf of all female officers who have made sacrifices and achieved so much in the past and present.”
PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes were tragically killed on 18 September 2012 in a gun and grenade attack as they investigated a hoax burglary in Greater Manchester.