Essen/Dortmund/Frankfurt am Main (November 09, 2016). The Federal Association of German Cash & Valuables Services (BDGW) has given out its first "Employee of the Year" award. The first prize went to two employees of the Dortmund subsidiary of KÖTTER Geld- & Wertdienste SE & Co. KG. They were honored for their "exemplary and deescalating behavior in an extremely dangerous situation." The prize was awarded today at the annual membership meeting of the BDGW in Frankfurt am Main.
It was a dramatic experience that Christian E. and his colleague Siegfried S. had to face on December 12, 2015, when their armored vehicle was attacked in the Dortmund district of Bodelschwingh. "Although the armed assailants acted with extreme brutality, the team kept calm at all times, demonstrated the highest professionalism when following the behavioral rules for this situation and proved itself to be a role model for deescalating action in absolutely dangerous situations," praised jury chairman and BDGW chairman Michael Mewes in his laudatory speech.
"RESPECT FOR SERVICE AND DEDICATION"
Peter Lange, Managing Director of KÖTTER Geld- & Wertdienste SE & Co. KG, also emphasized the importance of their work. "They play an important role in the ability of banks, retailers and consumers to trust in the seamless supply of cash in Germany, day in and day out. Particularly in light of the risks involved, I tip my hat to their service and dedication," he said, directing his particular thanks and respect to the two employees. "Above all, however, I am glad that they survived the attack unharmed."
In this context, he additionally emphasized the special responsibility that KÖTTER Cash & Valuables Services bears in protecting employees. "That's why we invest considerably and continually in the education and training of our employees, new mechanical and technical components on the vehicles and organizational measures," Lange explained.