Member Article

Selfless Act by Carlisle Security Officer Recognised

Carlisle Security Officer, Robert Gray has been honoured with the ‘Outstanding Act’ award at the regional British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Security Personnel Awards 2015.

The awards pay tribute to the outstanding work of officers over the past 12 months who are nominated by their work colleagues and supervisors.

Robert has worked for Securitas for nine years in the Carlisle Marks and Spencer’s store. He was nominated for the award as a result of his intervention in a difficult and frightening altercation between several people just outside of the store in March 2014.

Just minutes after starting his shift, Robert witnessed a violent incident involving four people just outside the main store entrance. Fearing for the safety of the victim and store patrons from the brutal assault, Robert leapt into action, first radioing Police and then, as the assault continued, tackling and restraining the violent offender.

The restrained man was subsequently taken into Police custody, requiring a further four officers to place him into the police van. The victim was taken to hospital and made a full recovery.

This extremely brave and courageous act quite possibly resulted in the victim’s life being saved and both the Police and the victim were very thankful for Robert’s timely intervention in this incident.

Elaine Carey, Regional Finance and Operations Manager at the store, said: “If he hadn’t been so courageous and managed to restrain the male, I dread to think what would have happened. Robert is remarkably vigilant, enabling him to quickly and effectively intervene when witnessing wrong-doings.”

Robert received his award at a ceremony held at Rudding Park, Harrogate on Thursday 16 April 2015.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jayne Russell .