BNSF News

Student Recognized for Showing Model Behavior at Railroad Crossing

2010-03-08

Paula Thomas was a little surprised to receive a phone call from Don Algiene, a signal maintainer.

Their paths seldom crossed. Thomas, coordinator, Field Safety Support, based out of Denver, wears many hats. One of those hats involves spending hours giving Operation Lifesaver presentations to groups of all ages.

Then Algiene called, out of the blue, to tell her she was doing a great job. The signal maintainer was working when he noticed a young girl approach a grade crossing. The youth stopped, got off her bicycle, looked both ways, and then rode across the tracks.

"We've been doing a lot in the Hudson community, and I've made quite a few presentations at Hudson Elementary School," Thomas said.

Algiene didn't know the little girl's name, but he felt strongly enough about recognizing her that he called the school himself, gave officials a description and stayed with it until the student, third-grader Aspynn Davis, was identified.

Thomas was then faced with a dilemma. Obviously BNSF couldn't recognize everyone who displayed safe practices around railroad tracks. On the other hand, this was a great opportunity to reinforce with students the importance safety plays.

Thomas contacted school officials, and they agreed that a presentation for her class would be appropriate. Thomas obtained a stuffed animal "wolf cub plush" wearing a BNSF T-shirt and prepared a special certificate to present to Aspynn for being a "safe kid" around the railroad tracks. Algiene wasn't able to attend, but he encouraged Thomas to go ahead with the presentation.

School Principal Greg Dent notified the student's parents about the recognition, and when Thomas arrived at the school, she was met not only by the girl's parents but also the girl's extended family.

"Her parents were so proud of her they invited other family members to attend," Thomas said.

A few days later, Thomas received another call from Algiene. He observed yet another student stop at the crossing, dismount from the bicycle and look both ways before proceeding.

"What a great feeling to know that these kids are actually listening," Thomas said.

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