Remembering the names of Essex’s frontline heroes who never came home

Emergency Services Day – also known as 999 Day – is a time to celebrate the dedication of police officers, paramedics, firefighters and other frontline workers who protect communities every day. But above all, it is a day of remembrance for those who never returned home after serving Essex in the line of duty.

Essex’s roll of honour

• PC Ian Dibell (2012) – Shot dead by civilian Trevor Marshall in Clacton after intervening in a violent dispute near his home. He was posthumously awarded the George Medal for his bravery.
• PC Michael “Mikey” Woods (2021) – Died in a road traffic accident while on duty, remembered as a dedicated officer and much-loved colleague.
• PC Rod Daniels (2001) – Constable Roderick Norton Daniels was driving back from court in Harwich when he stopped at the scene of a minor accident on the A12 near Kelvedon. As he gave assistance, another vehicle collided with them, killing him instantly. He was 48 years old and left behind his wife and children.
• PC Gary John Veal (2002) – Lost his life while serving Essex Police.
• PC Christopher John Wiggins (1992) – Killed while on duty with Essex Police.
• Acting Sergeant Brian John Bishop (1984) – Shot during an armed robbery in Frinton-on-Sea and died from his injuries.
• PC Peter James Wringe (1982) – Died while serving Essex Police.
• Firefighter Lewis (1954) – Died on 5 November tackling a blaze at a cabinet-making works in Harlow New Town.

These names represent the sacrifice across recent decades of service in Essex. Each one is a reminder that when emergencies happen, those who respond are putting themselves in harm’s way.

The identical twins serving Essex today

Alongside remembrance, 999 Day is also a chance to celebrate those who continue to serve. Among them are identical twin brothers Steve and Dave Gardiner, who began volunteering 24 years ago and today are both frontline responders in Essex.

Steve works as a paramedic in Rayleigh with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust. He joined 14 years ago, starting as an Emergency Care Assistant before becoming a technician and then qualifying as a paramedic nearly five years ago.

Dave is a Police Inspector with Essex Police, based in Boreham. He started out with Southend’s neighbourhood policing team before moving into Operational Planning. He also serves as a hostage and crisis negotiator.

Steve said: “Working in the ambulance service is incredibly rewarding, and being able to share that journey with my twin brother makes it even more special. From volunteering together to now serving in different branches of the emergency services, it’s been a privilege to help the people of Essex side by side.”

Dave said: “Being part of Essex Police has given me the opportunity to make a real difference, especially through my work in neighbourhood policing and crisis negotiation. Steve and I have always shared a commitment to helping others, and Emergency Services Day is a great chance to celebrate the teamwork and dedication across all services, which we experience every day.”

Why 999 Day matters

Every year on 9 September, emergency services across the UK come together to mark 999 Day. It is a moment of pride in those who continue to serve, and of remembrance for the heroes who never came home.

For Essex, it means looking back at those who gave their lives – from PC Dibell’s courage in 2012 to Firefighter Lewis’s sacrifice in 1954 – while recognising the dedication of today’s frontline, including twins Steve and Dave Gardiner.