THE WIFE of PC Andrew Harper who was killed in the line of duty has won an award for campaign to change laws in his memory.

Lissie Harper attended won the Annual Thames Valley Police Federation Inspiration Award on Thursday, September 9, where she was celebrated by senior officers, colleagues and politicians.

Lissie is striving to achieve Harper’s Law, which would see a person found guilty of killing a police officer, firefighter, nurse, doctor, paramedic or prison officer as a direct result of a crime they have committed be jailed for life.

This means that a life sentence would be imposed, asking for a minimum term in prison.

READ MORE: Lissie Harper Marks One Year of The Harper's Law Campaign

The Ministry of Justice are working hard with the Harper’s Law team – which includes Thames Valley Police Federation - to ensure the finer details of the legislation are correct and as effective as possible in ensuring that justice is given to our brave emergency services heroes.

Lissie said: “I remember sitting in court when the verdict came in against those that killed Andrew and feeling totally helpless. I remember feeling so let down by our justice system and the laws that we have in place. It was then, and when it came to sentencing, that I knew that the justice system was broken and something had to change.

“Emergency services workers require extra protection… They are put at risk and into the depths of danger on a regular basis on behalf of society. That protection is what we are seeking to achieve with Harper’s Law. This new law would provide a strong deterrent and an appropriate punishment for such a heinous crime.

ALSO READ: Wife of killed PC Andrew Harper campaigning for new law

“And it will ensure that the families of those in this heartbreaking position in the future will not have to endure such injustice.”

Lissie adds that “over many years of being the partner of a police officer, a frontline hero, I often felt that worry that we all do when they go off to work, knowing the true dangers that they face.”

She states: “Day after day police officers look danger in the eyes and carry on regardless. They put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public, so we need to give something back to show we support them.”

The campaign has achieved cross party political support – Lissie has had positive meetings with Home Secretary Priti Patel - and more than 750,000 members of the public have signed the petition backing the campaign.

She has also met with a string of other unions representing 999 heroes, including the Prison Officers Association, the Royal College of Nursing, the Fire Brigades Union and Unison.

Lissie added: “I know that if he could, Andrew would join the Harper’s Law Team in being right by my side fighting for Harper’s Law… he would want me to get this law passed for all who deserve it.

“We know this won’t happen overnight, but make no mistake, I will not allow this to be kicked into the long grass.

“There will be no reprieve until Harper’s Law is written in the history books.

Thames Valley Police Federation Chairman Craig O’Leary said the Federation was incredibly proud and humbled to be able to support Lissie in her campaign. He also praised colleague Sgt Andy Fiddler who has been working tirelessly with Lissie over the past year as she strives to achieve Harper’s Law.

Craig said: “Lissie is a totally deserving winner of this Inspiration Award. She is just that: a total inspiration to all of us. I and all of Andrew Harper’s colleagues are in awe of her work to achieve Harper’s Law.

“Her drive and determination and indeed bravery in the face of the most horrendous of adversity are unmatched. Make no mistake, she will achieve Harper’s Law which will be such a fitting legacy to Andrew.

“We’re delighted to be able to recognise Lissie at our Annual Police Bravery Awards with the Inspiration Award. Congratulations to Lissie. We are all behind you.”