The family of an Armagh prison officer murdered as he left St Patrick’s Cathedral with two of his children has been formally recognised with one of the UK’s highest civilian tributes for public service.
The next of kin of officer Patrick Thomas Kerr – who served in the Northern Ireland Prison Service and was shot dead by the Provisional IRA in 1985 – has been awarded the Elizabeth Emblem, a national honour given to the families of public servants who lose their lives in the line of duty.
Mr Kerr, who was 37, was killed as he left 10.30am Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh with his two youngest children – aged 8 and 5.
Another recipient of the Elizabeth Emblem is RUC Reserve Constable Samuel Cyril Stewart who was murdered by the INLA in March 1998.
Having been shopping with his wife in the Safeway supermarket at Dobbin Street Lane, Armagh they were in the car park returning to their car at around 8.15pm when two gunmen approached.
The men opened fire at point blank range and continued to fire as Mr Stewart lay on the ground, his wife watching.
He died from his injuries almost instantly.
After serving 18 years with the Royal Ulster Constabulary he had retired in March 1997.
Another recipient, Constable Mervyn Basil Robinson, also of the RUC, was shot dead by the IRA while off duty as he sat in his car outside the Wayside Inn public house in Whitecross in 1981.
Their families are among 67 recipients named this month, including 39 police officers and other public servants from Northern Ireland whose deaths were linked to their public duties.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Sir Chris Bryant, said: “In awarding these Elizabeth Emblems, we honour 39 public servants whose courage and sacrifice helped protect communities across Northern Ireland.
“They served with extraordinary bravery, not only during some of the darkest days of the Troubles, but throughout their careers in the line of duty – standing in service to others and helping to uphold the peace we cherish today.
“This honour is a lasting expression of our gratitude and I hope it brings pride and comfort to the families who carry the memories of those who served the public with such dedication.”
First established in 2024, the Elizabeth Emblem is a national form of recognition for public servants who have lost their lives “as a result of their duty”. It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which honours members of the UK Armed Forces killed in action or as a result of terrorism.
This is the fourth list of recipients to be published.
The Emblem is awarded to the next of kin of those who died in the line of duty, from police officers and firefighters to council workers and Members of Parliament.
The design incorporates a rosemary wreath – a traditional symbol of remembrance – surrounding the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with the words “For A Life Given In Service”, with the name of the deceased engraved on the reverse. A pin allows the next of kin to wear it on clothing.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Behind every one of these 67 names is a family who got the worst news and have carried it every day since.
“This Emblem makes clear, and puts on the record, that we recognise what these families gave and that we will never let it be forgotten.”
First Secretary of State Louise Haigh, who met some of the families at 10 Downing Street, added: “It was an honour to meet with the families of some of the Elizabeth Emblem recipients today and recognise public servants whose commitment and passion helped to make our country a better place.
“Their loved ones dedicated themselves to public service. In awarding the Emblem, we recognise both the enormous contribution and sacrifice that each of them made.”
