Former colleagues of Essex Police officer Pc Ian Dibell have reiterated their pride in his actions, after an inquest into his death today.
Essex Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded a verdict of unlawful killing
at Chelmsford Crown Court after the proceedings heard how he was shot dead after intervening in a dispute involving the gunman Peter Reeve on July 9 last year.
For Reeve, a verdict of suicide was recorded. The court heard how he shot himself in a graveyard in Writtle the next day, after a countywide police manhunt.
Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle said: "The inquest hearing has given us an opportunity to learn in more detail about the courage and bravery of Ian, who despite recognising the danger that he faced, selflessly tackled Peter Reeve to protect others.
"The incident in Clacton last July is a reminder to us all that it is not the uniform that makes a police officer, it is the instinctive sense to do the right thing regardless of the circumstances you are faced with.
"During what was clearly a fast-moving and dramatic situation, Ian quickly assessed what needed to be done and tackled Peter Reeve, sustaining a fatal injury in the process.
"We remain deeply proud of Ian and the sacrifice he made for the safety of others.
"He had an incredible devotion to his community and Essex Police and his actions will never be forgotten."
Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "Ian Dibell died trying to protect the community he served proudly as an Essex Police officer.
"Even though he was off duty he acted with bravery and selflessness, attempting to calm a dangerous situation.
"Police constable Ian Dibell's family, friends and colleagues, and the people of Essex, should never forget Ian or his sacrifice.
"He represented the very best tradition of British policing."
Essex Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded a verdict of unlawful killing
at Chelmsford Crown Court after the proceedings heard how he was shot dead after intervening in a dispute involving the gunman Peter Reeve on July 9 last year.
For Reeve, a verdict of suicide was recorded. The court heard how he shot himself in a graveyard in Writtle the next day, after a countywide police manhunt.
Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle said: "The inquest hearing has given us an opportunity to learn in more detail about the courage and bravery of Ian, who despite recognising the danger that he faced, selflessly tackled Peter Reeve to protect others.
"The incident in Clacton last July is a reminder to us all that it is not the uniform that makes a police officer, it is the instinctive sense to do the right thing regardless of the circumstances you are faced with.
"During what was clearly a fast-moving and dramatic situation, Ian quickly assessed what needed to be done and tackled Peter Reeve, sustaining a fatal injury in the process.
"We remain deeply proud of Ian and the sacrifice he made for the safety of others.
"He had an incredible devotion to his community and Essex Police and his actions will never be forgotten."
Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "Ian Dibell died trying to protect the community he served proudly as an Essex Police officer.
"Even though he was off duty he acted with bravery and selflessness, attempting to calm a dangerous situation.
"Police constable Ian Dibell's family, friends and colleagues, and the people of Essex, should never forget Ian or his sacrifice.
"He represented the very best tradition of British policing."
