Emily Coughlin

Said the following about Lee Nordhoff:

“Lee is a Mobile Operations Manager and the first line of incident response to anything that affects the safe operation of the railway. He is very proactive and has a keen eye for spotting potential dangers around the railway and making safety improvements.

Not only does Lee look for hard measures to mitigate risk around the railway, such as identifying and rectifying fencing gaps, but he also looks out for people on a personal level. Lee used the skills he had learned two years previously at a Samaritans MSC course and put them into action when he saw a young man looking vulnerable at the station.

“I was carrying out station checks when I noticed the young lad walking into the shelter and noticed he was upset. He had clearly been crying and he was looking down at his feet, he was slightly on edge and was watching the trains.

“I observed him for a couple of minutes, and realised he wasn’t waiting for a train as the information board was showing the next train was 40mins away. I immediately put a caution on passing trains with the signaller and then approached the young man.

“Once I had talked with him, he seemed to realise his surroundings and got up and left the station. I was leading up to pointing out the Samaritans sign, but the incident was over so quickly once he realised what he was contemplating. Shortly after he left the station, the British Transport Police arrived and picked him up.

“I can honestly say I would not have approached this young man without this training. I remembered the training and I used the methods I learned to approach him. The training course was over and above what I expected, it gave me the basic ability and confidence to approach this man that day, and without doubt it was the best course I have ever attended.”

If it wasn't for Lee's decision to approach the young man and break his suicidal thoughts that young man may not be here today. Lee deserves to win this award because he always prioritises the safety and wellbeing of others; he is an asset to the rail industry and his local community.“