The family of a former policeman who died within days of falling ill has paid tribute to a "kind and hard-working" man.

Julian Dawson, of Tolleshunt Knights, died after an infection caught hold and his body was unable to fight it owing to cancer of the white blood cells.

His wife, Sharon, of Park Lane, said: "It was a terrible shock because we had no idea about the cancer. We knew he had a bad back and when he fell ill and was taken in to hospital, we knew it must be worse than we'd thought.

"But by the time the test results came back, he was unconscious and then he died."

Mr Dawson, 58, had been working as an enforcement officer for Braintree Council since his retirement from the police force nine years ago and fell ill at work on May 20.

He died on May 25, leaving his wife and two children, nine-year-old James and 13-year-old Chantelle, sister Diana Webb and brother Christopher.

He joined Essex Police after finishing his education at St John's School, Surrey, and spent his first years in the force at Clacton.

During his 30-year police career, Mr Dawson also worked at police stations in Maldon, Witham, Braintree and Feering and spent two years in the criminal investigations department.

His brother-in-law Tony Webb, independent Colchester councillor for Tiptree and Wivenhoe, said: "He was always a good leader who enjoyed the crime prevention side of the job."

Mr Dawson received two commendations for bravery, one in 1991 for an incident in Frinton when a fellow police officer was killed in the line of duty.

Mr Dawson's funeral was held at St Luke's Church, Tiptree, on Monday and was attended by many friends and colleagues past and present.

Published Friday June 11, 2004

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