Hero PC Ian Dibell gets posthumous Police Bravery Award

AN ESSEX Police officer shot dead when he tackled a gunman in the street near his home has posthumously been given a national bravery award.

PC Ian Dibell, 41, was voted as the overall winner of the Police Bravery Awards at a ceremony in London last night. His brothers Neil (left) and Paul (right) received the award from Home Secretary Theresa May.

Insp Paul Dibell, of Essex Police, said: “I’m humbled. It’s a privilege to be here to celebrate Ian’s life and be here for his colleagues as well who do a fantastic job.”

Neil Dibell said: “What he did was just Ian all over. He was always there for other people and putting other people before himself. He would’ve loved this if he was here now. He was always up for a show and having a good time.”

PC Dibell died while trying to stop gunman Peter Reeve, who had fired at a couple in Clacton, Essex, in July last year.

He was selected as the overall winner after 64 officers were nominated for awards by 37 forces across England and Wales.

Mark Smith, Essex Police Federation chairman, said: “We’re very proud of Ian’s actions. He very sadly paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the public he served.”

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Every day a police officer goes to work they’re putting their lives on the line. Tragically for Ian and his family that’s what happened.

“He was not even on duty but he went towards danger to protect others and that says so much about policing in this country.”

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “I’ve heard some amazing stories about the bravery of our police officers who will put themselves in danger to keep the rest of the public safe. What’s particularly incredible about this story is that Ian Dibell was not even on duty. It’s an amazing story of courage.”

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh attended the Awards. He said: “It is hard to comprehend the sheer valour shown by Ian, who selflessly and knowingly putting his own life at risk to protect innocent members of the public.

“The instinct of most people in that situation would have been to run the other way but instead, Ian consciously ran towards danger to help and protect others.

“Tragically he paid the ultimate sacrifice in so doing, but I know that Ian’s actions will never be forgotten by Essex Police or the people of this county.”

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “It is entirely fitting and proper that Pc Ian Dibell should receive this national Police Bravery Award.  There is always sadness when an award is made posthumously.  But there is also great pride that, even though he was off duty, Ian acted with courage and selflessness, in the very best tradition of British policing.”