Through our Safety RecognitioNS program, we’re celebrating the Norfolk Southern railroaders who exemplify our culture of safety through an injury-free service record. Through their daily actions, each ensures that we deliver safe, reliable, and resilient service to our customers.

Johnnie Jenkins, an Engineer at our Transportation facility in McDonough, Georgia, recently celebrated 50 years of dedicated service without an injury. Jenkins was recognized by his colleagues during a meeting of the Local Safety and Service Committee.

We recently caught up with him to learn more:

Year joined NS: Started as a switchman for the Southern Railroad in 1973.

Why railroading as a career? I was looking to relocate from Savannah. I had no previous knowledge of the railroad, but I had a few friends who told me about it. I interviewed on a Sunday and was offered the job the next day.

Advice to fellow railroaders: Make sure railroading is what you want to do as a career. You won’t learn it all right at once. If you are willing to put the time and effort into it, it is truly rewarding. It will require your and your family’s dedication and commitment to make it work.

Favorite pastime: Enjoying cultural cuisines.