BNSF News

Agencies Join Forces for Officer on the Train Event

2010-03-11

An Officer on the Train event involving 38 law enforcement personnel from 12 agencies focused on educating drivers and trespassers on grade-crossing safety.

During the event, 43 public highway/grade crossings were observed as well as the BNSF right of way between Springfield, Mo., and Monett, Mo. Officers were located at nearly every crossing, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol brought a helicopter to help scout from the sky.

Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Dan Bracker cited one person for ignoring the crossing gates and failure to yield. Afterwards, he said, "Blatant, blatant. I can't believe you're in that much of a hurry to risk your life to cross the tracks."

When the event was over, three crossing violations were observed with one motorist receiving a summons. Another driver was cited for not having a driver's license.

Here's a list of the agencies and other organizations involved in the safety exercise.

• BNSF Resource Protection
• Missouri State Highway Patrol
• Greene County Sheriff Department
• Republic Police Department
• Billings Police Department
• Lawrence County Sheriff Department
• Marionville Police Department
• Aurora Police Department
• Verona Police Department
• Monett Police Department
• Operation Lifesaver personnel
• Springfield Division Operations personnel

Don Grisham, senior special agent, noted that the event was well-executed and completed safely. "All the agencies should be commended for their professionalism and safety-mindedness in executing such a largely attended event that covered a vast area," he said.

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