PC Ian Dibell receives Chief Constable’s High Commendation

PC IAN Dibell has posthumously been awarded a Chief Constable’s High Commendation – the greatest honour the Chief can bestow in recognition of his bravery.

Essex Police Pc Dibell, 41, was fatally wounded after intervening in a dispute in Clacton last summer.

Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle said: “The sacrifice he made for the safety of others will never be forgotten.”

PC Dibell was shot in the chest by gunman Peter Reeve, whose body was found the following morning in the grounds of All Saints’ Church, Writtle.

An inquest last month returned verdicts of unlawful killing for PC Dibell and suicide for Peter Reeve.

Essex Police stated the Chief Constable’s High Commendation recognises the fact that not only did PC Dibell intervene in an extremely dangerous and volatile incident but that he was both unarmed and off-duty at the time.

Mr Barker-McCardle added: “Ian’s brave and selfless actions demonstrate his only motivation was to save lives, regardless of any personal risk.

“At the time of the incident, there were several members of the public present who might have been wounded or killed if Ian had not intervened as he did. Ian’s brave, courageous and selfless actions no doubt saved others from harm.

“He consciously stepped into danger to protect others and tragically paid the ultimate price. His fearless actions were in the best traditions of policing.”

It will be one of the last actions at Essex Police of Mr Barker-McCardle. Stephen Kavanagh, currently with the Met, will take the helm of the force from May 7.

An Essex Police statement said several other options for honouring PC Dibell are also under consideration, locally and nationally.

Speaking at his inquest, HM Coroner for Essex and Thurrock Caroline Beasley-Murray said she wanted to highlight PC Dibell’s “extraordinary bravery” and commended him for a Gallantry medal.

Mrs Beasley-Murray said: “He responded instantly to a fast moving and dramatic situation presenting extreme danger to the public. His courageous aim was to save life and he risked his own life regardless of his own safety. His actions almost certainly prevented utter carnage.”

Mark Smith, chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: “Ian was trying to protect the public, as police officers do day in, day out. Running towards danger when others run away.

“Tragically, he paid the ultimate sacrifice in doing this. We will never forget his actions. Our thoughts remain with Ian, his family, friends and colleagues.”