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'Unsung hero' police officer reunited with family for first time in months after isolating to protect son from virus

Brigg Ford/West Midlands Police/PA Wire
Brigg Ford/West Midlands Police/PA Wire

A police officer has finally been reunited with his family after self-isolating for months to protect his vulnerable son from coronavirus.

William Till left his home in Stourbridge at the start of April because his seven-year-old boy Alfie was shielding following surgery to remove growths from his brain.

However, the guidelines around protecting those most at risk changed on July 6, meaning Mr Till was able to return to his loved ones.

The West Midlands Police community support officer (PCSO) said: “It’s amazing to be back home.

“I had a few days off for lots of cuddles and family time but was back on the beat on Thursday," he added.

William Till said it was 'amazing' to be back with his family after months apart (PA)
William Till said it was 'amazing' to be back with his family after months apart (PA)

Mr Till, 42, was worried that since his work increased his potential exposure to Covid-19 it would put him at risk of bringing the infection home.

He therefore moved into a flat nearby, keeping himself to socially distanced visits during April, May and June.

“It’s one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” the 42-year-old said, whose patch is in Wolverhampton city centre.

“I popped over for regular chats through the patio door but of course it all had to be socially distanced with no physical contact.

“Watching my children cry when I had to say goodbye was heartbreaking, not being able to hold them, but I knew it was the right thing to do,” he said.

“I wanted to keep working as part of the team. It was for times like these where communities need our support that I joined the police and accepted I had to sacrifice contact with my wife and children.”

Mr Till’s work during the pandemic has, according to the force, included “educating people about the pandemic and encouraging them to adhere to the distancing rules”.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Sean Corrigan said: “What Will has done over the last 15 weeks is testament to his community spirit and dedication to policing and serving the public of Wolverhampton.

“He paid for a room in a nearby house and restricted contact with his family through a patio door in order to continue working and ensuring he didn’t pose a virus risk to his wife and children.

“That’s an incredible sacrifice. He truly is an unsung hero of West Midlands Police.”

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