Billy joined Durham Police Cadets in 1960, at the age of 16 years, before joining the regular force in 1962. Initially posted to Chester le Street and then Washington, he trained as a dog handler, covering Durham and Chester le Street from the Sherburn Dog Section base. In 1971 he and his dog came 1st at the Tyneside Summer Exhibition. The following year he and his dog came 4th in the National Police Dog Trials. Billy also attended a Home Office Course at Keston, Surrey, where he qualified as an Instructor in Police Dog Training and took up this role at Harperley Hall Dog Training School, up until his retirement.
Prior to retirement in 1986, Billy was awarded the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Billy is survived by wife Pamela, daughter Susan and son in law’s Ian and Craig, grandchildren Philip, Jonathan and Anna and great grandchildren Codie, Harry and Ophelia. He is predeceased by daughter Alison.
A funeral service is to be held at 11.30am Monday 16th February 2026 at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ
Family flowers only, any donations in lieu please, to PawsUp.org.uk
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at The Honest Lawyer, Croxdale Bridge, Durham DH1 3SP
Our thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends at this sad time.
