Alice Morton

Said the following about Sam Kariuki:

“Sam has shown himself to be dedicated, caring and quick-thinking. His actions helped to save a man's life and prevent trauma to many other lives, including that of a train driver and a crossing keeper.

Sam was called to Stone Crossing in Kent by his manager just as he was on his way home after his shift. There had been a report of a suicidal person at the station. Sam turned back and headed to the location. When Sam arrived, the person was with the crossing keeper, Nick, who had coaxed the man off the tracks.

As Nick still had operational duties to attend to, Sam started to walk the distressed man away from the platforms and the tracks. But the man became more agitated and aggressive, trying to reach the tracks.

Sam used his Managing Suicidal Contact training to ask the man questions. He elicited his name and some of his story. Sam offered the man a sit down and a drink away from danger in the crossing keeper's office. But the man became aggressive again when he heard a train approaching and made a desperate bolt for the door. Sam and Nick were able to block his way and keep him in the office until the British Transport Police arrived.

Sam showed courage and professionalism in dealing with a vulnerable and distressed person. Sam deserves this award especially because he could have declined the call for help and carried on home, but thankfully he didn't. If it weren't for his actions, a life could have been lost and others traumatized. Well done Sam.“