Published on: Friday, 2 June 2017
Last updated: Friday, 2 June 2017
Railway workers from Essex have been praised for their hard work and dedication during National Volunteers Week.
Tony Hunter and Stuart Thorpe, who both work in customer service at Greater Anglia’s Colchester station have volunteered their time to work with the British Transport Police.
Stuart Thorpe has been a Special Constable for nearly nine years. Tony Hunter joined last August. Both said their work is another way of keeping the public safe while developing their skills.
“I like that I can make a difference in a different way,” Tony said. “The role is very varied from making arrests to conducting interviews and taking statements. Once, I helped to arrest a man carrying illegal drugs. You feel you’re helping the police combat crime. We’re not just a number.”
Stuart said his proudest achievement was when he won a BTP National Special Constable Team of the Year award in 2014 with Colchester Station Supervisor Colin Martin.
“I helped to arrest someone who threatened to stab rail staff at Braintree Freeport station,” Stuart said. “They were prosecuted and it felt good to have played a role in that.”
To become a Special Constable, recruits must train for 20 weekends at Highbury and Islington.
Andrew Goodrum, Customer Service Director, Greater Anglia, said: “Many of our colleagues on the railway give up their time to support a worthy cause. We’re very proud of our colleagues who are specials with the British Transport Police, they are helping to make a difference every day.
“We would also like to thank our incredible team of station adopters across our whole network who give up their time to help look after our stations. Many of our stations are home to fabulous floral displays and perfectly manicured gardens. We are very grateful for the work they do to keep our stations blooming.”
National Volunteers Week runs from 1-7 June and celebrates the contributions from people across the country who give up their time to help others.
Are you interested in becoming a Special Constable? Visit http://www.btp.police.uk/about_us/volunteering.aspx