Eastbourne police volunteer reflects on ‘completely unpredictable’ time

James Toni, 37, has worked as a conductor for Southern for more than 15 years and been a volunteer special sergeant with the British Transport Police in his spare time for 12 years.

James said, “Volunteering for the police force is something I started 12 years ago and have kept up ever since. Working on the railway is great, but it has its fair share of challenges and I decided I wanted to go the extra mile to help keep our customers safe.

“My role is to engage with the public, deter crime and help vulnerable customers using the railway network.

“It goes without saying that this year has been completely unpredictable. As the UK went into national lockdown for the first time in March, I was released by Southern so I could give further support to the BTP.

“During this time, I covered response calls across the network, as well as undertaking patrols at stations and on trains – reassuring the public and keeping our customers safe at a scary and confusing time.

“I love being able to help people, which is why I thoroughly enjoy my job as a conductor for Southern. I’ve been on the railway now for over 15 years, originally starting out as a platform assistant where I worked at Haywards Heath, Lewes and Eastbourne stations.

“Customer service is a huge part of the role and although life is a little different right now, I want to reassure those that have to travel by train, that they can do so with confidence.”