Debbie Ferris

Said the following about Richard Turner:

“Richard Turner is a train dispatcher at Railway Station. On the 26th of July, Richard was stepped up to do a Service Delivery Supervisors turn as we were short staffed. Richard was getting ready to go home as the end of his shift was imminent, a gentleman came into the waiting lounge acting very agitated. The chap said that he was going to do something silly, he said he was going to jump in front of a train. Richard immediately came around the counter and started talking to the chap. Richard got the chap to sit down and began asking his questions and listening to him, the gent began telling Richard that he was ex-military and that his mother had recently died and that he didn't see his daughter anymore. Richard is also ex-military and was able to use this to gain trust with the chap. Another member of staff called the BTP, but when they arrived the man became agitated again and said he didn't trust them. The police stayed around the area due to the man’s mental state. An ambulance was called. The ambulance took approx. 90 minutes to arrive, in this time Richard stayed with the chap who we now know to be Ian and kept his calm until medical help arrived. In total Richard spoke to Ian for some two hours, he remained calm and reassuring to Ian the entire time, Richard showed real empathy and by staying well after his shift had finished showed real humanity and commitment.“