Ian Dibell nominated for National Police Bravery Awards

ESSEX Police officer Ian Dibell is one of the hero officers from across England and Wales nominated for the upcoming Police Bravery Awards.

PC Dibell was shot in the chest by gunman Peter Reeve on July 9, 2012. The 41 year old was fatally wounded after intervening – off duty – in a dispute near his home in Clacton.

He has been posthumously nominated for the award by the Federation.

Regional and overall winners will be decided at an event in central London on the evening of Thursday 17 October. All nominees will also visit 10 Downing Street during the day for a reception.

Heroic acts from this year’s 64 nominees include officers saving occupants from burning cars and buildings, dramatic river rescues and tackling armed offenders and gangs with knives, screwdrivers and guns.

A Police Federation of England and Wales spokesman said: “All nominees have made an outstanding contribution to policing, acting selflessly to protect others.”

Judges for the event included the president of ACPO, Sir Hugh Orde and Baroness Newlove of Warrington.

Steve Williams, Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales said: “These remarkable acts of heroism are truly humbling. They are what define the uniqueness of what we do as a police service.

“This year’s nominees are deserving of the highest praise – they are a credit to policing and the public that they serve. These awards are a way of recognising some of the most outstanding acts of bravery performed by police officers in England and Wales.”

Stephen Mann, CEO of Police Mutual, award sponsor, said; “We consider it a real honour to be the sponsors of the Police Bravery Awards.

“Every single police officer who has been nominated for an award today is a truly special individual. It is only right that we take time out to reflect on their heroism and dedication and recognise the incredibly difficult situations police officers face, in keeping the public safe.”

Last year’s overall winner was PC Alex Stypulkowski, of Hampshire Police, who managed to chase down his attacker despite being stabbed in the neck