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Positive police story

Royal Recognition for PC Kenneth Adams, Who Died on Duty

Hampshire & Isle of Wight ConstabularySource published 24 July 2026Support Our Police summary

The daughter of PC Kenneth Adams accepted the Elizabeth Emblem in recognition of an officer who died while serving the public.

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Illustrative image created for Support Our Police. It does not depict the named officers or the specific incident.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary reported in July 2026 that the daughter of PC Kenneth Adams had accepted the Elizabeth Emblem on behalf of her father.

PC Adams served for 20 years and died in 1982 during a high-speed pursuit in thick fog. His colleague PC Paul Salmon also died in the collision.

The force’s account also records an earlier act of bravery: while on a family holiday in Malta, PC Adams entered rough water to rescue an elderly woman in distress and later received recognition from the Royal Humane Society.

The Elizabeth Emblem provides national recognition for people who die in public service. Remembering stories like this is one reason Support Our Police includes a permanent recognition and memorial section.

Primary source

Editorial note

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