‘Support awarding the George Cross to Pc Ian Dibell killed doing his duty’

A group of retired Essex Police personnel have launched a campaign to award Pc Ian Dibell, the George Cross.

“On Monday, July 9 2012 the lives of his family and loved ones were forever changed when Ian, an off duty Essex Police constable, was shot dead in Clacton, Essex.

Although off duty and without any of his normal protection equipment, Ian still went to the aid of others to protect them. Ian knew very well the dangers he was about to confront but still he courageously and without consideration for his own wellbeing, approached an armed man. Because of his sense of service to the public and his courage, he paid the ultimate price with his life.

Now nearly 4,500 people have pledged their support to the ‘Support awarding the George Cross to Pc Ian Dibell’ Facebook campaign, with the numbers growing daily. Nearly all MPs across Essex have been written to, asking for their support, as well as a letter being sent to Prince Charles and the Home Office.

Chief Constable, Jim Barker-McCardle, has also been made aware of the campaign and has indicated he is supportive of a formal award once the legal processes are over.

The campaign organisers have already had positive responses from numerous MPs and a call from Prince Charles’ office. And although he cannot officially support the campaign because it would be inappropriate pressure on the Honours and Appointments Secretariat, he has wished the campaign well.

Those who knew Ian would say, had he survived, he would have brushed off his selfless and courageous actions, with a comment such as “Nothing more than anyone of my colleagues would have done”. The reality, however, is somewhat different. Ian’s actions, especially as he was off duty with no protection but his courage and bravery available to him, were far more than that. He truly can be called a hero because his actions were those that few men could or would muster.

Having seen the views of so many serving and former police service personnel, along with members of the public, all expressing, shock, outrage, dismay but above all else total admiration for his courage and dedication to duty, it was soon the consensus that Ian’s actions completely fulfilled the criteria for him to be nominated and awarded the George Cross.

The George Cross is the highest civilian award for bravery. It is awarded for “Acts of bravery of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.” It may be granted posthumously but is restricted to British subjects.

Chris Willcock, one of the three founders of the campaign and spokesperson, said: “Ian was a police officer through and through. He came from a policing family, and was proud to serve the area in which he lived. Anyone that worked with Ian will tell you that he always went above and beyond to protect the community, and he probably was well aware of the danger he was facing on the day he paid the ultimate price to protect his community.

“Ian was brave and heroric. And the best way to ensure his selfless actions are never forgotten is to award him the George Cross. This accolade is rarely awarded, but is awarded for ‘acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger’. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Ian. Everyone that knew and loved Ian is still raw with grief, but we want to ensure that he gets this rightful recognition.

“All of our voices count, so please get in contact with us to pledge your support. Ian was an extraordinary man, and we need your help to ensure his heroism is properly recognised.”

Every voice of support will help the campaign, so please email honourcampaign@hotmail.co.uk to write a letter of support and visit the:

‘Support awarding the George Cross to Pc Ian Dibell killed doing his duty’ Facebook Page

The organisers of this campaign will not put forward a nomination until the legal processes in the aftermath of Ian’s death are at a close, but they continue to look for support so they are ready to make the nomination with the backing of as many people as possible.”

You can still leave a message on our condolence page for PC Ian Dibell here

All messages will be passed onto his family.