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Officers’ guard of honour for heroic police officer Ian Dibell
POLICE in Essex formed a guard of honour at the funeral of heroic Clacton officer Ian Dibell who was shot dead as he tried to stop a gunman. A private service was held at Weeley Crematorium, attended by around 130 people, including family, friends and colleagues. Pc Ian Dibell, 41, was killed near his home in Clacton, Essex, when he was off duty on July 9. It is thought he was going to the aid of Trevor Marshall, 48, who was injured in the attack.
His suspected killer, Peter Reeve, 64, shot himself dead in a churchyard in Writtle, near Chelmsford, the following day.
The silver and black hearse carrying Pc Dibell’s coffin, draped in an Essex police flag, was ushered into the grounds of Weeley Crematorium by a guard of honour of 24 officers.
Pc Dibell’s coffin, carrying his officer’s hat on top, was then solemnly and respectfully carried into the crematorium by six police pallbearers.
More than 4,000 people have joined a Facebook group calling for PC Ian Dibell to be awarded the George Cross for his bravery.
The 41-year-old was killed when he tried to prevent crazed gunman Peter Reeve, chasing a neighbour, Trevor Marshall, down a street in Clacton on July 9.
Leading the campaign is retired police support staff worker Chris Willcock who worked alongside PC Dibell’s brother and father who both served in the Essex Police force.
Since the tragic incident tributes have poured in from friends, colleagues and people around the country who praised his selfless actions.
He said he had received more than 200 emails from people around the country and abroad with letters of recommendation.
“I think what Ian did was a tremendous act of bravery and it deserves to be recognised,” he said.
“I’ve been completely overwhelmed with the support so far which shows the strength of feeling and I’m confident we will succeed.
“Ian’s family are aware of what we’re doing and thanked us and I’ve had a positive meeting with Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle this week who has indicated his support.”
Mr Willcock said he had written to all MPs in Essex asking for their support and so far Harwich and North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin and Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell had leant their support. Chelmsford MP Simon Burns and Southend West MP David Amess have also backed the campaign.
Mr Willcock said he has received all the necessary paperwork to begin the application and it is thought Essex Police will also make their own bid once the investigation is complete.
MP for Colchester Sir Bob Russell said: “I have had a number of constituents contact me about PC Ian Dibell and calling for him to be honoured in some way and I have written to the Home Secretary to ask for her advice on what the process is.
“An honour may offer some comfort to his family, friends and colleagues - it’s the least society can do to show their appreciation and thanks for what he did.”
Culled from streetlife.com
