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.<\/p>\n
PC Ian Dibell, 41, was voted as the overall winner of the Police Bravery Awards at a ceremony in London. His brothers Neil (left) and Paul (right) received the award from Home Secretary Theresa May.<\/p>\n
Insp Paul Dibell, of Essex Police, said: \u201cI\u2019m humbled. It\u2019s a privilege to be here to celebrate Ian\u2019s life and be here for his colleagues as well who do a fantastic job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Neil Dibell said: \u201cWhat he did was just Ian all over. He was always there for other people and putting other people before himself. He would\u2019ve loved this if he was here now. He was always up for a show and having a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n
PC Dibell died while trying to stop gunman Peter Reeve, who had fired at a couple in Clacton, Essex, in July last year.<\/p>\n
He was selected as the overall winner after 64 officers were nominated for awards by 37 forces across England and Wales.<\/p>\n
Mark Smith, Essex Police Federation chairman, said: \u201cWe\u2019re very proud of Ian\u2019s actions. He very sadly paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the public he served.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prime Minister David Cameron said: \u201cEvery day a police officer goes to work they\u2019re putting their lives on the line. Tragically for Ian and his family that\u2019s what happened.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was not even on duty but he went towards danger to protect others and that says so much about policing in this country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Home Secretary Theresa May said: \u201cI\u2019ve 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\u2019s particularly incredible about this story is that Ian Dibell was not even on duty. It\u2019s an amazing story of courage.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n