In a heartwarming surprise that left a senior police officer visibly moved, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has honoured Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Cundy by naming one of their Azuma trains after him. The emotional ceremony took place at London King's Cross station, celebrating Cundy's remarkable 30-year career with British Transport Police.
The veteran officer, who leads the force's crime, public protection, and intelligence operations, was completely unaware of the honour until the moment the train's name was revealed. Colleagues, friends, and railway staff had gathered under the guise of a routine event, making the surprise all the more impactful.
Three Decades of Railway Policing
Stuart Cundy's policing journey began in 1994 when he joined British Transport Police as a constable. Over the subsequent three decades, he has risen through the ranks while maintaining his passion for keeping Britain's railways safe. His career has seen him tackle everything from minor offences to major criminal investigations across the network.
"I was genuinely taken aback," Cundy admitted after the reveal. "To have a train named after me is something I never imagined. It's a tremendous honour that I'll cherish for the rest of my life."
A Fitting Tribute to Public Service
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, explained the reasoning behind the unusual honour: "We wanted to recognise Stuart's outstanding contribution to railway safety and security. His dedication has made millions of journeys safer, and naming one of our trains felt like a fitting way to celebrate his service."
The newly-christened Azuma train will now carry Cundy's name across the East Coast Main Line, serving routes between London, Yorkshire, North East England, and Scotland. It joins other specially-named trains in LNER's fleet that honour notable figures and causes.
Family and Colleagues Share Pride
The ceremony became particularly emotional when Cundy's family joined him on the platform. His wife and children watched proudly as he unveiled the nameplate bearing his name, creating a memory that the veteran officer described as "one of the highlights of my career."
British Transport Police colleagues expressed their delight at seeing one of their most experienced officers receive such recognition. Many noted that Cundy's career exemplified the best of railway policing, combining operational excellence with genuine care for passengers and staff.
The surprise naming ceremony not only honoured one officer's dedicated service but also highlighted the strong partnership between railway operators and the police force that keeps the network secure. For Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Cundy, it marked the culmination of thirty years protecting Britain's railways - an achievement that will now literally travel the length of the country.
