Schoolboy honoured for saving police dog

A schoolboy from Weymouth has been presented with a commendation from Dorset Police for his actions in helping to save the life of a police dog called Bob.

PC Phillip Billington, from Weymouth Dog Section, was exercising Bob in a field near his Weymouth home earlier this year. When he threw a ball for his dog, it bounced into Bob’s mouth and lodged in his throat, blocking his airway. He took Bob over half a mile back to his house, where he enlisted the help of his ten-year-old son, Ben.

While PC Billington drove to Southfield Veterinary Practice, Ben sat in the back with Bob, holding his head up to ensure his airway was extended so he could breathe. The veterinary practice was on standby for Bob’s arrival and he was immediately taken to theatre and anaesthetised, allowing the ball to be removed.

Chief Superintendent Colin Searle, Head of the Dorset Police Operations Division, presented both Ben Billington and PC Phil Billington with a divisional commander’s commendation at Ben’s school, St Andrews CE School, in Weymouth.

Chief Superintendent Searle said, “This was an extremely traumatic event. Ben showed considerable bravery and undertook actions while frightened and upset that clearly helped to save police dog Bob’s life.”

PC Billington praised Southfield Veterinary practice for removing the ball and saving Bob. He said: “Ben did brilliantly to keep Bob’s airway clear and I’d like to thank everyone at Southfields Veterinary Practice who did an absolutely brilliant job to save Bob’s life. I really can’t thank them enough.”