Surrey Police dogs make a wish come true
Submitted: 25/02/2010 10:06:46
Callum with PCs Nigel Rousell and Andy Hayward, and 'Kimba'
CALLUM Dyer, from Ashford, would love to be a dog trainer for the police when he is older. Unfortunately 15-year-old Callum has congenital heart disease, which prevents him taking part in anything too active, such as football, and may hinder his chances of achieving his ambition.
When Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK, the charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people with life-threatening illnesses, was told about Callum and his dream job, a special day with Surrey Police was arranged for him on Friday, 19 February.
Callum, along with his parents Laura and Kevin and Grandmother Carol, was collected from his home in a staggering stretch Hummer and driven to Mount Browne Surrey Police Headquarters in Guildford.
The family was greeted by PC Nigel Rousell at the dog school, who took them to meet his colleagues PC Andy Hayward and John Best, the head of the training school, who gave a safety briefing and took them to the activity field to begin an exciting day of dog training.
Callum was shown how the dogs are taught to find people’s belongings and how they chase and catch criminals as well as other skills necessary for being a police officer’s best friend. Callum was able to pat the dogs and pose for photos with them.
As a surprise, the Surrey Police helicopter landed in the field especially for Callum. The pilot showed Callum how the helicopter and dogs work together to track criminals on the run.
The whole family enjoyed lunch with the officers before ending the day with a tour around the Mount Browne museum, where they learnt about the history of their local police force which has been in action since 1841 and how Surrey Police has solved many crimes over the years.
Callum said: “This has been the best day. I would love to train dogs one day, but for now I would like a pet dog to practice on!”
Callum’s mother Laura Childs said: “Make-A-Wish and everyone at Mount Browne has made this day one for us all to treasure and remember forever. Anything that makes Callum happy makes me happy. I love to see him smile. After everything he has been through – more than nine operations – to see him smile means so much. Thank you!”
Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.
Ends JAW/22/10
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Call 0845 125 2222 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (for example a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Crimestoppers
If you have any information about a crime and don't want to leave your name you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.