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Two local police officers who risked their lives last November to rescue a 15 year old Bideford teenager from drowning have been awarded the Royal Humane Society’e testimonial on vellum.

4.5.1973 police heroes

They are PC Peter Murphy, who lives in Clifton Street, Bideford, and Motor Patrol Constable John Truelove who lives at Westward Ho!
The boy they rescued, Paul Reeve, of the Stores Café, Barnstaple Street, Bideford, had gone into the River Torridge to swim to his parents’ boat when he got into difficulties in the ice cold water.
A 999 call brought the two officers to the scene and between them they brought the boy to shore safely.
Paul’s father, Mr Roy Reeve, said afterward: “We would have lost our son if it had not been for their action which was beyond the call of duty.”
Gazette article dated 5 May 1973

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