Union Pacific and Texas Operation Lifesaver have joined forces to enhance rail safety education in Houston by providing specialized training to approximately 100 officers from the Houston Independent School District (HISD) police department. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to equipping law enforcement personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent rail-related incidents and to ensure a swift, safe response in emergency situations.
The comprehensive training session was held at HISD’s High School for Law and Justice, a campus dedicated to preparing students for careers in law enforcement and legal professions. The Rail Investigation Safety Course, specifically designed for law enforcement officers, offers hands-on education in railroad operations, legal considerations, and best practices for emergency response. By addressing real-world scenarios that officers may encounter, the training aims to foster proactive measures that enhance rail safety throughout the Houston community.
Empowering Law Enforcement with Critical Rail Safety Knowledge
During the training, officers received in-depth instruction on key aspects of rail safety, including:
- Understanding Railroad Environments: Officers learned how to assess and navigate areas near railway tracks safely, including identifying potential hazards and understanding train movement patterns.
- Interpreting Rail Signage and Signals: Recognizing and correctly responding to rail signage and signaling systems is essential in ensuring safety and preventing accidents.
- Emergency Response Procedures: Officers were trained on best practices for responding to rail-related emergencies, including derailments, vehicle-train collisions, and trespassing incidents.
- Legal Considerations and Investigative Protocols: Law enforcement personnel explored the legal aspects of railway operations, understanding liability concerns, and the necessary steps for conducting thorough investigations in rail-related cases.
- Community Outreach and Prevention Strategies: Officers were provided with resources and strategies to educate community members about rail safety, helping to prevent accidents before they occur.
Union Pacific’s Commitment to Rail Safety
Clint Schelbitzki, Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs at Union Pacific, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in improving rail safety.
“Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and we’re committed to working with local agencies to keep the entire Houston community safe around railroad tracks,” Schelbitzki said. “This training goes beyond just checking a box—giving first responders the tools to prevent tragedies and effectively respond when seconds matter.”
Union Pacific has a long history of prioritizing rail safety and regularly partners with first responders, schools, and community organizations to spread awareness about safe practices near railroad crossings and along railway corridors. By providing law enforcement with enhanced training, Union Pacific aims to mitigate risks and strengthen emergency preparedness measures.
The Role of Texas Operation Lifesaver
Texas Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries, and fatalities at highway-rail crossings and along railroad rights-of-way through education, enforcement, and engineering initiatives. Their collaboration with Union Pacific ensures that law enforcement officers receive expert instruction in rail safety, empowering them to protect both themselves and the communities they serve.
“Our mission is to educate the public about the dangers of rail crossings and trespassing on railroad property,” said a representative from Texas Operation Lifesaver. “Working with law enforcement allows us to extend our reach, equipping officers with the tools they need to enforce rail safety laws and share lifesaving information with the community.”
Texas Operation Lifesaver regularly conducts outreach programs in schools, businesses, and municipalities, reinforcing the importance of making safe choices around railroad tracks. The organization also provides training sessions similar to the one held for HISD police officers, ensuring that more first responders and community leaders are aware of best practices in rail safety.
Ongoing Training and Future Initiatives
Union Pacific and Texas Operation Lifesaver plan to continue their collaborative training efforts, expanding their reach to additional law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and community organizations. Their goal is to create a culture of safety that extends beyond Houston and into communities throughout Texas and beyond.
Anyone interested in participating in future training sessions or learning more about rail safety can visit www.oli.org for more information. Texas Operation Lifesaver offers a variety of educational resources and training programs aimed at reducing railway-related incidents and improving public safety.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest and most recognized railroad networks in North America. Operating in 23 western states, the company provides safe, reliable, and efficient freight transportation services, connecting businesses and communities to the global economy. Union Pacific is committed to environmental sustainability, recognizing that rail transportation is one of the most energy-efficient ways to move goods. By continuously investing in technology and safety initiatives, Union Pacific aims to enhance the reliability and security of the nation’s rail infrastructure. More information about Union Pacific can be found at www.up.com.
Strengthening Houston’s Rail Safety Culture
Houston’s extensive rail network plays a vital role in transportation and commerce, but with it comes the responsibility of ensuring safety for residents, law enforcement, and first responders. The Rail Investigation Safety Course is a significant step toward fostering a safer environment around train tracks and crossings.
By working together, Union Pacific, Texas Operation Lifesaver, and Houston law enforcement agencies are making meaningful strides in enhancing rail safety and preventing accidents. Their collective efforts reflect a commitment to education, preparedness, and proactive risk mitigation—essential components in creating a safer community for all.