Key workers deserve a medal for efforts during Covid-19 pandemic, says Northamptonshire's Chief Constable

Northamptonshire s top police officer says all key workers deserve a medal for the way they have come together to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chief Constable Nick Adderley will write to Boris Johnson asking him to consider commissioning a campaign medal for those who have carried on working to keep others safe during the last 13 months.

Mr Adderley this week surprised more than 2,000 Northamptonshire Police officers and staff with a special pin badge for their service.

He said: "I will be writing to Government asking them to consider the commissioning of a campaign medal for all key workers who have given, and continue to give, so much during this dreadful pandemic.

"In the meantime, this pin badge should be worn with pride and as a token of my thanks.

"This has truly been a remarkable effort and totally unprecedented; no blueprint, no manual, twists and turns almost everyday yet our staff keep bouncing back and keep doing the very best they can. This needs recognising and further appreciating.

"This is the least we could do to say thank you for the incredible work our staff are doing during this ‘once in a lifetime’ pandemic.

"I want our staff to wear this like a campaign medal and, I want them to feel immense pride when they pin it on their uniform, every day.

"In a few years time, youngsters will learning all about the Covid pandemic of in history lessons. I want our cops to wear these with pride and to share the story whenever anyone asks ‘what’s Op Talla’?"

Operation Talla was the codename given to Northamptonshire's Police response to the pandemic when it was launched in March 2020.

The chair of Northamptonshire's Police Federation, Sam Dobbs, said: "It’s right that on behalf of members I thank the Chief Constable for this tremendous gesture recognising our journey in the past 12 months.

"It’s actually not just a gesture. It’s entirely typical of the values and leadership in Northamptonshire Police and so much appreciated

"The last time such a pin was issued was when the Force was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Northampton. Badges were issued in memory of the late Insp John Askew, who, like the current Chief, led from the front, spoke his mind and was fiercely proud of county, force and members."