PC Dave Phillips has been posthumously granted Freedom of the Borough and Wirral Award in recognition of his service to the public.
The borough's highest civic honour was bestowed on him during a full council meeting at Wallasey Town Hall on Friday night.
The father-of-two died last year after being struck by a stolen vehicle in Wallasey.
Below: PC Phillips' wife Jen with daughters Abigail and Sophie and certificate confirming freedom of the borough
PC Phillips' family - wife Jen, daughters, Abigail and Sophie, and his parents, Robin and Carol - with certificates confirming freedom of the borough and the Wirral Award
The ceremony was attended by PC Phillips wife Jen, and the couple’s two daughters, Abigail and Sophie, his father Robin, and his mother, Carol, and many more members of his family. Many colleagues of PC Phillips also attended.
Also attending were Police commissioner Jane Kennedy, Merseyside's chief constable Sir Jon Murphy, other officers and invited dignitaries.
Before the ceremony, Merseyside Police Band played, cancelling a prior engagement in order to pay tribute to their colleague.
Below: Lining up outside Wallasey town hall ahead of the ceremony. Pictures: Craig Manning and Catherine Murphy
PC Phillips' family arrive for the ceremony
Mayor Pat Hackett opened the service, describing the award a "unique honour" reminding everyone in attendance that there are only 13 other recipients of the award.
Paying tribute, he added how the events which took place last year has shocked the whole borough.
He said: "This service demonstrates our gratitude to Dave and to all the other police officers who put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe."
Leader of Wirral Council, Phil Davies said it was a "privilege" moving the motion to bestow the Freedom of the Borough and Wirral Award.
He described this evening's ceremony as "one of the most poignant meetings they ever had".
Constable Dave Phillips died in October
Constable Phillips died in October after being struck by a stolen vehicle he was trying to stop as it sped through Wallasey.
Nineteen-year-old Clayton Williams was convicted of his man- slaughter earlier last month and sentenced to 20 years in jail.
In the weeks after PC Phillips' death, hundreds of local people paid their respects by signing books of condolence at Wallasey and Birkenhead town halls, as well as town halls across the region.
Cllr Davies added: "Last year we were all shocked when we heard the news that a police officer was killed in the line of duty.
"It hit everyone, people who are from the borough and all over the country came together in sadness.”
"I hope the award will help to comfort the family of PC Dave Phillips.
"We are so proud to know Dave’s name will now always be above the building.
"It aims to honour his memory and the remarkable job police do to protect the public every day."
Merseyside Police Band entertain
Conservative Councillor Jeff Green, who seconded the motion to confer freedom of the borough on PC Phillips said during tonight's meeting: "PC Dave Phillips was just doing his job which kept us all safe in our community.
"I would like to take this opportunity to tell the council leader to mark my thanks to all those who put their lives on the line every day for members of this community."
PC Phillips’ wife Jen with daughters, Abigail and Sophie, and his parents, Robin and Carol with certificates confirming freedom of the borough and Wirral Award
David's father Robin Phillips addressed the chamber on behalf of all their family.
He said: "Words are inadequate to express our loss.
"Today our council has awarded David the honour of the highest calibre, when we first heard the news we were stunned by the enormity of their generosity.
"You only have to look at the names of previous participants to recognise the tremendous honour and we feel David will be welcomed to this list.
"The amount of support from every corner of the community has been so over whelming and we as a family are so magnificently grateful for it all.
"This is a tremendous honour for David to be given.
He added: "The words thank you are small but if they are said with warmth and sincerity they can be big, and we would all like to say thank you for everyone’s support and to Wirral Council for giving this award to David."
His father continued by offering an insight into David’s family life, adding he spent a lot of his life overcoming difficulties, mostly trying to beat Robin at golf.
PC Phillips was well known in the local community and worked closely with the council and other organisations to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
In March, Wirral's cabinet announced PC Phillips would receive the borough's highest honour as a tribute to his "professionalism and kindness."
Police commissioner Jane Kennedy said prior to tonight's ceremony: "I am honoured to be among the people invited to see Jen Phillips collect these awards on behalf of her husband PC David Phillips.
"Constable 6554 David Phillips grew up in the Wirral and joined his local Force, Merseyside Police, to serve the people of his local community.
"He joined because he wanted to help keep the people of the Wirral safe, including his beloved wife and daughters.
"PC Phillips made the ultimate sacrifice in his commitment to his community and I can think of no-one more deserving of this, the borough's highest recognition."
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