Kentish Express Ashford & District
PCSO saved my beloved Pepi from death in lake
A beloved dog which became entangled in tree roots in the middle of a lake was saved by a hero police community support officer (PCSO).
Owner George Smith had been throwing sticks for Pepi, his Welsh border collie, when one caught the wind and was propelled into the middle of the water at lakes off Dymchurch Road, New Romney.
Mr Smith, a non-swimmer, panicked and called the police as he could see Pepi furiously paddling but not coming back to him when called.
PCSOs Matthew Robinson and John Gorham answered the distress call within 15 minutes and PCSO Gorham swam towards Pepi, who was still holding onto her stick.
The officer freed her from the tree roots she had become trapped in and the dog began swimming back
PSCO Gorham told Mr Smith that Pepi had been holding onto the stick, which was wedged in the branches, to keep afloat.
The eight-year-old dog had been trapped about 12 metres away from land at the site of a former quarry.
Both PCSOs were awarded certificates of merit for their actions by Ch Supt Andrea Bishop, divisional commander for east Kent, at Kent Police’s East Kent divisional commander’s awards ceremony held at Folkestone police station on Tuesday, December 13.
“She was paddling and getting nowhere,” said Mr Smith.
“John Gorham saved her life – there are no two ways about it.”
Mr Smith lived in Shrubcote, Tenterden, for more than 35 years with his late wife Jennifer, before moving to New Romney.
He said: “Since I lost my wife, Pepi has become my constant companion and I can’t imagine life without her. I can’t thank the PCSOs enough for saving her life.”
‘Since I lost my wife, Pepi has become my constant companion. I can’t thank the PCSOs enough for saving her life’