Clacton: Memorial commemorates the death of a Clacton policeman killed in the line of duty

PC Ian Dibell (Image: Archant)

Pc Ian Dibell was shot in the chest and fatally wounded by gunman Peter Reeve after intervening in the dispute between neighbours in Fairlop Close, Clacton, on July 9, 2012.

Yesterday, friends and colleagues attended a service held in the garden at Clacton police station. The service was taken by Tendring’s police chaplain the Rev Pauline Bailey and afterwards a memorial was unveiled to commemorate the 41-year-old Essex Police officer’s bravery.

Tendring district commander Chief Insp Cat Barrie was at the service.

She said: “The loss of our friend and colleague, Pc Ian Dibell , will remain with us forever. Ian’s brave and selfless act on that fateful day last year undoubtedly saved other lives but it was a typical display of the qualities that he had as a police officer.

“My officers and staff in Tendring DPA are united in their cause to remember and celebrate the life of Ian, who died a hero, and we continue daily to wear our uniform with pride. We seek solace from the support shown by the public and the policing family in general.

“Our thoughts are very much with Ian’s family and friends on the first anniversary of his death.”

In May, Pc Dibell was posthumously awarded a Chief Constable’s High Commendation – the greatest honour the Chief Constable can bestow.

Several other options for honouring Pc Dibell remain under consideration, both locally and nationally. A spokesman for the force said it has been approached by a number of organisations and it continues to explore the possibility of creating a memorial in the Clacton area close to where Pc Dibell died.