BNSF News

BNSF Phoenix Children's Train Trip Provides Fun for Many

2011-10-27

The 12th annual BNSF Phoenix Children's Train from Phoenix to Wickenburg, Ariz., recently provided a train trip for nearly 400 people, including 214 children, aboard several of BNSF's vintage passenger cars.

The ride gave children associated with a number of Phoenix-based organizations the opportunity to ride the train. Many of the children have been injured or are facing challenging circumstances. The children are served through the following organizations:

• Arizonians for Children (children in foster care)
• RISE Children's Services
• Big Brothers and Sisters of Phoenix
• Phoenix Burn and Trauma Center
• Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Local children of active duty military personnel as well as volunteers from the Phoenix community were also treated to a ride on the train.

Greg Konecny, superintendent, Operations welcomed the riders with "a heartfelt thank you from all of us on the Phoenix Subdivision for our best children's train yet! It just keeps getting better."

Coordinated by Ken Kyer, a locomotive engineer and local BLET chairman, volunteer crews were from UTU Local 1081 and BLET Division 647. A number of employees in the Phoenix area helped with setup and cleanup. Personnel from Mechanical and Renzenberger Vans "shadowed" the train to provide help if needed.

The captain of the Glendale Fire Department, along with a paramedic crew and volunteer nurses, ensured trained medical professionals were available. The Arizonians for Children Clowns and magicians, together with Operation Lifesaver, helped round out the day.

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