A BRAVE policeman has bounced back from being seriously injured on duty when he was hit by a suspected drink driver in Dudley Port to help support other victims and tackle crime.
PC Phil Kingsley suffered a bleed on the brain along with a broken leg and ankle after being ploughed into by a suspected drink driver in Dudley Port in 2015.
He was off work for more than a year following the collision but fought back to carry on his dream job as a cop.
The former engineer who became a policeman aged 35 has been at the forefront of tackling a range of community issues across his Smethwick patch ranging from drugs, prostitution and anti-social behaviour.
This included the eviction of nuisance tenants which had repeatedly blighted a neighbourhood.
Phil's also shown his investigative skills and caring nature. One example is when he managed to identify the victim and suspect of a violent attack from grainy CCTV.
Phil offered the woman support so she was comfortable in giving a full account of what had happened and a man was arrested.
The 53-year-old neighbourhood officer is a regular face in the Smethwick community to help residents in their time of need and assist colleagues.
He was recognised for his ongoing contribution by recently being named West Midlands Police's Police Officer of the Year.
The grandfather said: "It was a big shock but also a huge honour.
"I was 35 when I became an officer and like everyone I did it because I wanted to make a difference.
"It's a great feeling when you can help someone and make a difference to the quality of their life."
Phil was chair-bound for months and suffered bouts of amnesia after being ploughed into by a driver in 2015. Another colleague and friend was also seriously injured and the driver was jailed after failing to provide a blood sample.
Phil said: "It was difficult time in my life, there were the physical injuries to recover from but also mentally.
"I had to rebuild my confidence again but I always wanted to come back and the force were very supportive.
"I started my police career as a response officer dealing with immediate calls for service but I really enjoy my role as a neighbourhood officer now. I want to continue doing everything I can to keep people safe."
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