This year, Norfolk Southern has supported more than 5,500 first responders with specialized training and resources through our Operation & Awareness Response (OAR) program, which included hands-on events across 20 cities with our Safety Train.

Our OAR program is designed to educate and train first responders on responding to rail-related incidents. This year, more than 2,000 first responders boarded our Safety Train to gain important rail safety knowledge aimed at helping their communities stay safe around railroads. The free training included hands-on experience with the kinds of railcars and equipment first responders would face in the event of a real-world emergency, as well as lessons on tank car identification, locomotive emergencies, and response strategies and tactics.

These training events are vital in reinforcing strong relationships between Norfolk Southern and local first responder agencies.

Since the launch of the program in 2015, our team has trained over 51,000 first responders, emphasizing our commitment to the safety and well-being of the communities in our 22-state network.

“Norfolk Southern’s commitment to safety extends far beyond the rails,” said Robert Wood, Norfolk Southern Director Hazardous Materials. “We’re proud to work alongside these dedicated local first responders, who are truly heroes in their communities, to ensure that they have the rail knowledge and applicable resources to protect the people they serve in the unlikely event of a rail emergency.”

To learn more about our commitment to strengthening our relationships with first responders across our network to make our communities safer, you can visit norfolksouthern.com/safety/first-responder-training.