From Amanda, Adam and Jason Thompson. As a family we would like to recognise and thank everyone who sent a condolence, shared a memory or a photo. These all gave us so much comfort when we were at out lowest point. We will never get over losing Ian, but in time we will learn to live with it. Your support has enriched our lives as Ian enriched yours we hope.

Always a pleasure working with Ian. Such an enthusiastic and inspirational man. RIP.

Ian's contributions to Public Safety will be greatly missed - his energy, enthusiasm, committment and achievements appreciated by many. Thank you to his family for his time with all of us and deepest sympathy for your loss.

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Ian was a good friend and colleague and always someone you looked forward to meeting. He has gone far too soon and my most sincere condolences to his wife Amanda and family at his desperately difficult time. Steve

A sad day for BAPCO and for APCO world wide. My condolences to Ian's family and to the BAPCO family as well. Jay English

My deepest sympathies to Ian's family and the BAPCO family. Cheryl Greathouse APCO International Past President

Ian was a brilliant man who was passionate for the work he did as well as being a great mentor and friend.

Ian was a very nice guy & a great copper. Very sad news

Such a lovely man. Love to his family x

Hearing of Ian's sudden passing on Monday was such a shock for had he always seemed to be such a fit and healthy man. I first met Ian when I was on the instructing staff at the Police Training Centre for Wales at Cwmbran in the mid 1980s and he was always smiling even then. He joined the same police service, Thames Valley, and then transferred to North Yorkshire in the early 1990s where we met up again with Ian and met Amanda and then the boys. We lived in the same village at Sharow near Ripon for ten years and to see Ian and the family cycling around together, gardening together at Boundary Cottage, and coming to the church enlivening all our lives was a joy and a privilege. Although we had only exchanged Christmas cards each year of late as our careers went in separate directions, Ian and the family remained an inspiration to us all: a man for everyone and for all time. Our family's condolences to you Amanda, Adam and Jason: you have lost a dedicated husband and father and the world has lost a generous, kind, amazing man. His memory and his presence will live on and we can both celebrate his life that was and his legacy which will continue to inspire those yet to come. Thank you Ian for your wonderful life and all you gave. Much love to you all. David L. (Scarborough)

Terribly sad news. Ian was a true gent.

Ian was one of my Supervisors during my Probationer period (2 years) with North Yorkshire Police, between 1990-1992. He was one of the best, and I was honoured to have had him, and his devoted wife, Amanda as lifelong friends since. It’s a great shame, but true for many I guess, that Ian will not know how loved and respected he was by his friends and colleagues, but I hope all the kind and loving messages since Ian was taken from us all too soon will give comfort and pride to Amanda, Adam, Jason and Ian’s wider family. I can only comfort myself in that the good guys are taken from us for some wider good. My love to all Ian’s family. I hope we can all meet soon in celebration of Ian’s life and share happy memories of our time with him. Lorraine (Rosie) Rose , and wee Guinness dog xx

I had the pleasure of knowing Ian for 20 years since working together on the Airwave programme back in the day. Ian was an all round great guy, a professional with integrity with a smile and time for everyone. He looked after others and himself, his passing makes no sense and is so cruel and shocking. My Heart goes out to Amanda and the boys who he spoke of so fondly, and all that knew and cared for him, RIP Ian, your memory lives on.

Very sad news. Ian was both a gentleman and a fine professional, contributed so much for the public safety comms community Thoughts are with his family.

It was a pleasure, both personally and professionally, to have worked with Ian in his time at NYP as well as BAPCO. Ian always made time to listen and talk. He treated everyone with the utmost courtesy and respect. He is well remembered, respected and loved by all.

I had the great pleasure of knowing Ian for over 25 years, he was always such a cheerful and happy person, excellent to work with and brilliant to work for. He was a shining example of what it is to be a true gentleman and the epitome of the caring professional in whatever he undertook, and what he did undertake he excelled in with humility and dignity but always a slightly cheeky undercurrent that lightened even the most serious situation. Its a total tragedy to lose such a affable, talented and gifted person so early, his absence will leave huge gaps in so many different areas, with so many people. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to all Ian's family and to all those closest to him who are feeling the pain and shock of his passing. Stuart Mack

Every now and then you receive news that knocks you for six, The BAPCO email notification of Ian's passing is certainly one of those occasions. I was sat at my desk, stunned when I read it. I have known Ian through BAPCO for about 20 years and have worked on many projects and been at many events with him during this time. His sudden death will leave a big hole in the public safety communications arena, an area where he has made such an impact. RIP Ian and regards to your family. Simon MOASE

I remember him as my Sgt when he looked after the front office team at the old police station. Great memories, always smiling and someone you could talk to. He never changed through promotion. A lovely man through and through. God bless. My thoughts are with you all. Shelly x

I came into contact with Ian working on the Operational Mobile Working Project, and found Ian to be really excellent in his role of Operational Technology Chief Inspector and good fun to work with. Gone far too soon. Thinking of Ian's family at this very sad time. Viv

Thank you so much for everything you did for me when I first started working with you and the British APCO team. You welcomed me into the industry and were always there if I had a question or needed an opinion on anything. It was a pleasure knowing and working with you.

A life lost far too early, but not before he made such a lasting impression in the hearts of so many. My sincere condolences to Ian's family on their sad loss.

Life is the shared experiences that bind us together. I still can't believe Ian has been taken away. I have had the pleasure of knowing him for the past 20 years as a work colleague, friend and more recently a cycling buddy. Ian always had time for you and was constantly cheerful. He was thoughtful and as a line manager he was always supportive and gave great advice and was interested in the people he supervised. As a friend and peer he was great to be with. When I retired and had to hand in my warrant card which is strange after 30 years, Ian made it an event with an invite to a local cafe and coffee and bacon sandwich, very thoughtful and beyond his role. As a cycling buddy, he was fast and strong and far too fit to keep up with, up those big hills round Ampleforth. I'll miss you buddy and missed the planned rides we were going to do. Feeling sad and so sorry for Amanda and the boys, it's difficult to understand why. Take care everyone. Nige Slater

a true gentleman and a great boss, gone far too soon RIP x Thinking of his family and friends at this time x

I met Ian when we worked together on the original Airwave project 20 years ago and we kept in touch through the years. Ian was a knowlegable guy, but more importanly always had time to talk and could , unfailingly raise a smile or a laugh. My thoughts are with everyone who cared about Ian and especially Amanda, Jason and Ada. Julian Frost

Such sad news, and condolences to Ian`s family. I took over from Ian as Inspector for Richmondshire, when he was promoted to Chief Inspector. A true gentleman, who was willing to share his vast knowledge and experience to help me settle in. For this I will be forever grateful to Ian. He even left me his Insp pips, which I am still proudly wearing today. Ian you will be truly missed by all in Richmondshire, both from within the Policing family, partners and the community. RIP my friend. Mark G.

The APCO International mourns the loss of Ian. He was a wonderful gentlemen and a true pioneer in our industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ian's family and BAPCO. Derek Poarch, Executive Director and CEO APCO International..

Ian was a lovely down to earth person and a very good Sgt on our shift back in the 90's - I am sad to hear this news and send my thoughts and condolences to his family xx

I had the great pleasure in meeting Ian this year through the fab podcasts he was hosting. He was a real pleasure to work with - he was such a genuinely warm individual. I’m extremely shocked and saddened to hear this news and wish to pass on my love and best wishes to his family and friends. I cannot imagine the pain you are all experiencing. With love, Jay Trestain (IBM)

I will always think about Ian as a very nice person and so professional. We will miss Ian in the standardization domain and we will simply miss him as very nice person to meet and discuss with. My best thoughts goes to his family as well. Chantal (ETSI/EMTEL Committee)

A much loved member of the NYP family and a great support and boss for me whilst working in the control room. Even after moving on you continued to support us having work (social) catch ups in Betty's and at events where our paths crossed. Too soon for a cheeky northern lad from South Shields. x

A tragic loss for his family, friends and colleagues,as well to British APCO. With sincere condolences. JOHN BURNSIDE Founding President BAPCO

Ian was one of many bosses that came to the FCR and one of the nicest. He always had his office door open for anyone to pop their head round. It was the fact he like 'special' pens that I discovered the 'CROSS' pen, and that's what we got him when he left FCR at Newby. Taken way too early. RIP Mr Thompson

Ian contributed so much to the standards community, always looking for a path through differing views and being so skilled at forging consensus. He will be badly missed by the community he served so well. Adrian (ETSI)

One of the most nicest, helpful and approachable people I've worked with at NYP. Shocked and saddened by this news.

I am struggling to think of sufficient words to say to pass on my condolences at the loss of such a wonderful person so suddenly and so soon. I have had the pleasure of working with Ian for only a few years on the BAPCO exec, but he was one of those people who made every interaction count: both as a person and to get stuff done. He was insightful, a great listener and just great fun to spend time around: he leaves a great legacy and memories that we must not squander. My heart goes out to Amanda and the boys, of whom he spoke very fondly and very often: although I never had the chance to meet them, I know how loved they were by Ian

I have very happy memories of working with Ian during his time at North Yorkshire Police. Ian was always a very supportive, fair individual to work with. It was always a great pleasure to catch up with him at the various events he attended and chaired and it is with great sadness that I heard about his passing. I will always remember him with his wide smile, sending my sincere condolences. Dawn Griffiths, Sepura Ltd

Very sad news. Ian was both a gentleman and a fine professional. As a customer he was a pleasure to work with and always generous with his time and advice. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues on their loss.

The Frequentis team is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Ian, we all will miss a great contributor and supporter in the standardization and promotion of safety critical communication. Our most sincere condolences to Ian’s Family and friends - you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Such sad news. A gentleman and outstanding professional. RIP.

Ian and I worked closely together on the Airwave project many years ago, as I was working with the ACPO Comms team for PW and we were both from NYP. He immediately helped me to understand the necessary issues and guided me through things. We formed a friendship that was to truly last. I recall being on holiday in France some years ago, queuing at Mont St Michel and seeing Ian and Amanda in the line ahead - albeit surprised, it was wonderful as always to see him and we both laughed. During the TDF planning, when he and I met to discuss staffing, the meeting was as always jovial and relaxed, and he was the easiest of all commanders to deal with, being always realistic and calm. Ian and I often joked together when work was a little troubling, that it was ‘these southerners,’ both of us being from Newcastle and being able to say this about North Yorkshire colleagues, albeit in humour. Ian I will miss you, your guidance, your calm and methodical thinking, and I will miss your smile and humour. I’ll light a candle for you when I visit the Toon next. Robert Thorpe

What a terrible loss for the family who were so important to him and for the public safety comms community that he was so passionate about - he had achieved so much already but had the energy and drive to do so much more - and was just such a nice bloke. Gone far too soon. Thoughts are with his family.

A real gent and true professional. Sending my condolences to his family.

Ian was the embodiment of gentleness. In 25yrs of knowing him, I cannot recall a time when he wasn't smiling, even when times were hard. Always sanguine. Always positive. Always supportive... In this warped world, it's incomprehensible that someone so thoroughly decent should be taken away so prematurely. My heart goes out to Amanda and their boys in this darkest hour. It will be small consolation, but I hope they take some solace in knowing how much Ian was loved by those of us who knew him. He was the man I aspired to be. He was a true gentleman, and he will be sorely missed.

Such sad news . Ian was my boss in North Yorkshire Police and he was a great mentor , a good listener and lead by example . Everything he did was exemplary and in a quiet unassuming manner . I know he loved Amanda ,Adam and Jason very much . My thoughts are with them and all of Ian’s family and friends . Habs Khan

You always displayed professionalism and you were a real gent. You will be greatly missed. God speed Ian.

my thoughts are with family and friends

Ian stood for his authenticity, integrity, competence and genuine care for those around him. I am glad to have counted him as a friend. Bruce

A true gentleman, sad news indeed, thoughts and condolences to Ian’s family. 😢 Michelle x

A shining light in our world has gone out with Ian's passing. He made hard work fun and was a great ambassador for BAPCO, always enthusiastic and always professional. Ian will be much missed and never forgotten. It was a privilege to work with you and on behalf of us all at Embrace Child Victims of Crime, a massive thank you. Anne x

During his time working for Black Marble, Ian was incredibly influential in the direction of our policing business. We will forever be in his debt, and are deeply appreciative to the time he dedicated to us. Our condolences to Amanda and their family, from all of us here at Black Marble. He will be sorely missed, this is a terribly sad day.

My sincere condolences to Ian's family. Sirilal Mallawa Arachchi New Zealand Police - ICTSC

I was absolutely devastated to hear this news. Ian was one of life's good guys and I can't believe he's gone. It was a pleasure to work with him as part of the BAPCO exec over the last few years. I will really miss him. Sending my sincere condolences to his family.

We really have lost Ian far too soon - he was genuine in all he did and passionate about wanting to and being able to make a difference. He has been a clear guiding light for BAPCO over the past four years and will be sorely missed across the global public safety community. Ian was always hard working, always great company - a pleasure to work with as well as sharing a beer and a curry at the end of the day. Whilst we look back and celebrate all that Ian achieved - and he achieved a lot for the public safety community - it is important for BAPCO to keep building upon the Association Ian had to so suddenly let grip of. He may not be here to work with us but we must work with what he has left us and make it stronger. Thoughts and prayers too with Ian's family at this sad and most difficult time. Ian, thank you.

From working with Ian when he was on the BAPCO executive to handing my CEO duties over to him in late 2016, my respect for his professionalism and humanity grew and grew. He was one of the 'good guys'. Caring, wise and a brilliant organiser with vision, his guidance and leadership took BAPCO to new levels. The whole 'blue light' comms world is missing a champion. Much love and deep, heartfelt sorrow to Amanda and the family.

All of us at FREQUENTIS UK are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Ian’s passing, it was an honour to have known him and was always a pleasure to engage with him. Our condolences to his family and he will be missed by all that knew him. Deepest sympathies..Mark Pearson

A very nice guy and a good boss. My condolences to his family, it’s so very sad that he’s been taken far too soon. R.I.P.

One of life’s true gentlemen, so sad, condolences to his family

A brilliant boss and truly genuine guy. Can't believe it. Incredibly sad time for his family. Will not be forgotten. Rip Ian 💔 Karen Dale-Wood

I remember Ian as being kind, enthusiastic and helpful when I worked with him at Richmond. A wonderful man who will be sadly missed. From Vicky

Ian was a fine man, a true Gent who I was very blessed to have as a colleague and friend. God Bless 🙏❤️

A lovely man who I enjoyed working with at Ripon . Always a gentleman and never without a smile. You will be missed by all your old colleagues and my thought at this sad time with your family. x

I worked with Ian for a short space of time when he was at Richmond. I didn’t know him long perhaps a year or so but I always remember him being really approachable, kind and didn’t take the job too seriously (in a good way) Just remember him being a really decent bloke with plenty of time for me and others. Sadly missed. Adam

A sad loss. A true gentleman and professional. Nothing was ever too much.

Sad news. Genuinely nice chap, always happy. Gone too soon. Thoughrs and condolences with the family. RIP Ian.

I'm devastated to hear this news, Ian was a kind and generous man and always a pleasure to work with. Everyone who worked with Ian at Samsung sends their condolences to Ian's family and friends.

I worked with Ian at Richmond. Fantastic boss, great sense of humour and a real calming presence as a manager. Will be sadly missed and condolences to his family. RIP Ian. Rich W

Worked with Ian at Richmond, great man and a much respected boss. Taken far too early.

I worked with Ian in FCR Newby Wiske , what a truly genuine lovely man. I am truly saddened to hear of Ian's passing, a man who will never be forgotten. Thoughts are with Ians Family at this very sad time . God Bless RIP Ian 😢😢😢😢💔 Jill MacRae-Rowson

It was a pleasure to know and work with Ian - a real enthusiast

Was a lovely person to spend an afternoon with at the Rugby - a great professional, who will be missed. my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Andy

I will forever remember Ian's bouncy personality and cheeky sense of humour. It was a pleasure working with him as a fellow judge for the Control Room Awards. Gone too soon. Rest in peace Ian. Mike.

Ian was a huge part of our Echo family and we have many fond memories of our time working together. Whether it was the day to day running of the association or onsite at events, he was always a pleasure to work with and great fun to be around. Words can’t express the sorrow we feel and our heartfelt condolences go to Amanda, Jason and Adam. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Tracey, Dorothy, Claire, Nicole, Rachael, Sarah, Leona, Cheryl and Kate (The Echo Team)

Still struggling to come to terms with this sad loss. Ian was a friend and colleague through the police and BAPCO for over 15 years. We got on well and had a shared sense of humour. We still spoke every fortnight and I should have been speaking this very morning. I will miss him and those chat sessions tremendously. Thoughts and prayers with Amanda, Jason and Adam. Paul Hirst

Such sad news to hear that Ian has been taken so young - and with still so much to do in life. He was a grafter - as well as always a positive influence and an inspiration to those around him. My deepest condolences to Amanda and the whole family, for whom this must be such a devastating shock. I hope, in time, we can all meet up to pay our respects to a remarkable person. RIP Ian x

Dear friend, thank you for your dedication, professionalism and above all for true friendship. It was an honor and a pleasure to know you and cooperate with you. Rest in peace. Mladen Vratonjic, Board Chair, TCCA

Ian was a dedicated professional, he did so much to improve people’s safety in the UK and was integral to the public safety community. His passing is a great loss. Our thoughts go to his family, friends & BAPCO. EENA

A genuine pleasure to have known Ian, worked alongside him and socialised with him. This sudden and sad news has impacted so many people and represents the passing of a fantastic person who is gone well before his time. thoughts are with Ian's family at this difficult time. Professionally in his work in the communications sector Ian was fantastic - really engaging and passionate with total professionalism and fantastic sense of humor and banter. you will be greatly missed Ian and in passing you leave behind a ginormous chasm in all elements of your life - Thankyou for enriching our experiences - rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to Ian's family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam ( Gaelige : May he rest in peace) Gerry. An Garda Síochána. ( Irish Police Force)

Sending our deepest condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss from all at Axess International Limited ...Hari Sandhu (Director).

Dear Amanda, Jason and Adam, I wanted to send a short note to say how sorry I am to hear of Ian's passing. Ian was incredibly well regarded and well liked, he was also passionate about improving emergency service communications, a passion which I shared with Ian. Over the years I came to regard Ian as someone who would tenaciously follow up on the actions he promised and he would also press me to do the things I promised. I will miss Ian a great deal and I hope that this message provides a little comfort in a very difficult time for you. My deepest condolences, Darryl Keen Chief Fire Officer, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Chair of the UK's 999/112 Liaison Committee

Condolences to Ian's family and friends on behalf of South Yorkshire Fire and rescue. SM Lorraine Smith

So sorry to hear this news. His lovely smile, just like in this picture, is exactly how I remember him. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Yvonne Taylor. X

My sincerest condolences go to Ian’s family on hearing this extremely sad news. Ian was a gentleman and one of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure to work with over the past 6 years or so. Hard working, dedicated, sociable, great fun, inclusive of others and just all round good guy who will be very sadly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Condolences to Ian's family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his BAPCO colleagues. Claire wise

I am so terribly sad to hear of Ian’s death. Our paths crossed quite a bit over recent years through policing and then BAPCO. I always found Ian to be a true gentleman - always friendly and interested in others, and relentlessly cheerful and positive. I really admired him, and this is a terrible loss. My heartfelt sympathy to family and friends. It will seem small comfort just now, but there will be so many happy memories to look back on in the fullness of time... But I am so, so sorry to hear the news. Richard Morris, police lead on Airwave and ESN, 2012-2019.

Ian was a wonderful guy and great friend and colleague to all of us at TCCA. He will be sorely missed. Sincere condolences at this sad time to Ian's family and BAPCO colleagues.

We hope that you find this tribute to Ian a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.