BNSF News

On Guard Employees of the Year Named

2010-06-24

Two employees from Texas and one from Seattle were named On Guard Employees of the Year for 2009.

Welders Le Andre Hygh and Mike Carlton were honored for their involvement in securing a BNSF welding truck abandoned near McKinney, Texas. John Houston, a general signal supervisor from Seattle, was honored for his role in apprehending a trespasser whose actions could have caused serious harm to BNSF employees and property. They were selected for this top honor from among 207 employees who received On Guard awards in 2009.

Hygh, based in Alliance, Texas, and Carlton, based in Sherman, Texas, found the truck near the intersection of state highways 75 and 12. The truck's engine was left running with the door handle broken off. Hygh, Carlton and investigating authorities later learned that the truck had been stolen.

Because of the alertness of these two employees, the truck and equipment were recovered and returned to the owner. Value of the truck alone was placed at $52,000.

Houston, the other top honoree, was performing routine duties when he drove up to a crossing-signal bungalow on South Horton Street in Seattle. Houston saw a trespasser throw an industrial track switch. Houston notified the Resource Operations Call Center, and the trespasser was arrested for switch tampering. It was later discovered that the trespasser had an extensive criminal history.

Houston's actions helped protect the safety and security of BNSF employees, while preventing a potentially serious incident.

All honorees were recognized for their actions at a Resource Protection appreciation event attended by the honorees' families, co-workers, supervisors and Resource Protection.

BNSF Headquarters

BNSF Railway Company
2650 Lou Menk Dr. 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 961057
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0057
Phone: (817) 352-1000

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com