Son thanks officers who tried to save veteran dad

Two police officers and paramedics tried to save the life of Tom Lewis, 83, after he collapsed

An Army veteran's son has thanked police officers who tried to save his dad after he suffered a heart attack.

Tom Lewis, 83, collapsed in Ladbrokes bookmakers in Willenhall town centre on 13 August, West Midlands Police said.

Sgt Paul Smith and PC Matt Smith, who were out patrolling the area, rushed to perform CPR on Mr Lewis - which his son Philp said helped prolonged his life long enough for family members to say goodbye.

The former ammunitions technician for the Royal Army Ordnance Corps was taken to New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, where he died later that evening.

'Lovely man'

Tom Lewis had been in the Army during the 1960s and spent time in Cyprus and Germany.

He was later a security guard before working in a local foundry.

Philip Lewis said his dad enjoyed betting on horses at the bookmakers, would love a chat on the street and had time for everyone.

"He was a lovely, friendly man who always had a joke for you. Admittedly, some of them were lame jokes but that's what made it funnier," he said.

"Thanks to the fantastic efforts from police officers and ambulance crews who carried out CPR, my dad was kept alive and this enabled myself, his sister Diane and his brother Arthur to get to the hospital in time and to see him before he passed away.

"I am so grateful to them for doing all they could for him and would also like to thank the staff at Ladbrokes for all their help too."

Police said Mr Lewis was a familiar face around Willenhall having lived in the town all his life and was known for his "friendly and fun" personality.

The officers who went to help him were carrying out patrols as part of the Safer Summer Streets scheme, the force said.

Sgt Paul Smith said helping the veteran was a "team effort".

"It was a very sad day for myself and the other officers involved," he said.

"We tried our very best to save Mr Lewis, taking it in turns to carry out CPR until paramedics arrived.

"We are sorry the ending couldn't have been a happier one but it is comforting to find out Philip was able to see his father in hospital before he passed away."

His son added his father will be greatly missed.

"He was very close to his grandson Sam – my dad adored him," he said. "He will now be reunited with my mom Margaret who died 13 years ago."