BNSF News

Santa Fe special agent honored for service to predecessor railroad

2013-06-04

A Santa Fe Railway employee shot in the line of duty was honored for giving his life in the performance of his duties during National Police Week ceremonies in Illinois and Washington, D.C.

Charles Kieper joined what was then the Santa Fe Railway as a watchman (now referred to as a special agent).

On the night of March 17, 1919, while on duty in what was then the Chicago yard, located at 47th and Central Park avenues, he went to investigate a noise and was shot. He died as a result of his injuries. Four suspects were later arrested; it was believed the shooting was revenge for earlier arrests.

Although the incident occurred many years ago, BNSF hasn't forgotten Kieper or his sacrifice. Kieper was nominated and accepted for two honors: inclusion in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the Cook County (Chicago) Peace Officers Memorial. Both memorials recognize officers killed in the line of duty during National Police Week.

In Washington, D.C., Kieper's name joined more than 19,000 additional names of officers killed in the line of duty since 1791. His name was engraved on the memorial and revealed during a candlelight ceremony.

In Cook County, he was one of two inductees to the memorial. The ceremonial tribute began with a silent motorcade of police vehicles from agencies throughout Cook County traveling to the ceremony site. The color guard and the Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society of the Chicago Police Department also participated. BNSF Railway Police participated in the Cook County celebration.

BNSF for many years has been researching and collecting data on the 36 officers who have died on duty in the history of BNSF and predecessor railroad history. As adequate information to request honors is available, it is submitted to the appropriate groups for recognition.

"Our officers never know when they will meet with violence. They train and prepare to safely protect our employees and the railroad," said Duwayne Pennington, assistant vice president, Resource Protection. "We honored the sacrifice of Mr. Kieper by nominating him and are pleased that these two organizations recognized his heroic action."

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