Hero Avoch security guard honoured after life-saving response to Inverness incident
A COOL-headed security officer at a council service point has received a prestigious award for his heroic life-saving actions when a client attempted to cut his own throat with a knife.
Charles Stewart, of Avoch, has been awarded the British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) award for Outstanding Act in Scotland.
The 62-year-old was on duty when a male psychiatric patient, accompanied by a nurse, attended the Highland Council service point in Inverness for a housing interview.
During the discussion in an interview room, the man produced a Stanley knife and began to self-harm, cutting both arms and trying to cut his own throat.
After the nurse and housing officer left the room, leaving the patient on his own, Mr Stewart took the initiative to intervene, potentially putting himself in danger to speak to the patient at length and prevent him from harming himself further.
Through his empathy and quick thinking, he persuaded the man to hand over the knife and keep him calm until the police and paramedics arrived.
Mr Stewart, who works for SecuriGroup, was presented with his award by the company’s operations director Allan Burnett.
The judges deemed he went above and beyond the call of duty to save a man’s life – an outstanding decision which had been recognised by his industry peers as a credit to his commitment to his role.
Mr Stewart said he never thought his actions would end in an award.
"As far as I’m concerned, I was just doing my job and the same as anyone else would do in the situation," he said. "I am glad that I managed to help one person through a difficult situation."
He will now go forward to the national awards and, if successful, will be invited to attend the BSIA’s annual lunch in London in July.
