On Monday 21st April 2008 Euan Hilton and Colin Tarrant began their work day. Arriving at Settle Station around 8pm two drunk men forced the doors and boarded the train. Euan requested they both leave. They did as Eaun asked but not before one individual forcibly removed Euan’s tie. The train continued on its journey and on its return to Horton-in-Ribblesdale station Euan released the doors to be confronted by one of the men from the earlier incident carrying a rifle. Eaun calmly locked the train and walked to Colin’s cabin. Colin witnessed the man return the rifle to a bag and leave the station, he then walked through the train reassuring passengers. British Transport Police launched a major investigation with extensive media coverage. The culprits handed themselves to police and were charged with possession of an air weapon with intent to cause fear of violence.

While working at the reception desk in Broadway Leisure Centre, Manchester, Gayle Holland noticed a 17 year old girl collapse whilst running. Gayle, a fully qualified lifesaver immediately made efforts to assist the young woman. Gayle assessed her status and soon discovered she was not breathing nor could she get a pulse. Gayle along with her colleague, Gill Crabtree, began CPR on the woman. They continued CPR for some 10 minutes prior to the paramedics arriving. After two weeks on a high dependency ward in hospital the young girl made a full recovery having suffered a rare heart defect. The family of the young girl commented that without Gayle and Gill’s CPR efforts their daughter may have suffered permanent brain damage at best.

Last year Ian Newey a Physical Education Instructor at HMP / YOI Doncaster was supervising a weekend exercise session for prisoners. Unbeknown to Ian a prisoner had managed to conceal a shard of glass in the weights room of the gymnasium. Without warning or provocation a prisoner assaulted a fellow prisoner by hitting him over the head with a free weight and attempting to cut the individuals throat. Ian was the first member of staff on the scene and managed to control the situation by assisting the injured prisoner whilst managing the prisoner who carried out the attack.

On the 13th March 2008 without warning a rocket bounced off a Serco cabin roof and exploded nearby. Paul Paxton was working in a nearby cabin and was thrown to the floor by the force of the blast. Several of the Serco cabins were badly damaged by the blasts of two rockets. Despite being disorientated and in total darkness Paul showed extreme bravery and dedication by rushing to assist his injured colleagues who he could hear calling out for help. While searching for one colleague in particular he had to force his way into the room as the door was blocked by furniture and the collapsed ceiling. Paul displayed true leadership skills by ensuring the injured received treatment and by contacting management in the United Kingdom to update them on the incident and arrange for repatriation.

Prison custody officers Robert Somerville and Michael Opeto were refuelling their Serco vehicle whilst on duty. On entering the petrol station building they noticed a male acting suspiciously. A member of staff at the station approached the man regarding alleged shoplifting. The man immediately produced a knife and threatened the employee. Without regard for their own safety Robert and Michael intervened and successfully disarmed the male and apprehended him until the Metropolitan Police arrived. Robert and Michael could have chosen to leave the petrol station but instead gave an unprompted professional response and aided an innocent victim and prevented a serious crime taking place.