The RailStaff Awards 2024

Paul O'Brien

Govia Thameslink Railway

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Nominations for Samaritans Lifesaver Award

Agy O'Brien

Said the following about Paul O'Brien:

“On the 1st of May Paul O’Brien and his wife were on the way to pick up their daughter from school for the very first time. While walking to school a young man was spotted, standing between the tracks on a railway crossing. When he was approached by Paul’s wife, he opened up to her saying that he had no reason to live as his girlfriend left him and he wants to finish his life now. While Paul’s wife continued the conversation to the young man, taking him of the track – Paul had made necessary calls to the Railway Operation Centre – to cautions train crews of the suicidal person in the area and he also called BTP Police to attend and help with the situation. After a while trains were passing through slowly and safely. The BTP officers arrived and attended to approach the man in distress. However due to the location of the police car and the young man officers were unable to catch the man who started running away. This is when Paul run after the man and detained him until police arrived. The BTP officers have taken care of the young man and hopefully now he has more reasons to live. On that day Paul not only saved man’s life but also prevented train crews and passengers from potentially dangerous and very stressful situation.“