NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk
Southern Corporation's safety train rolled into Slidell, La., last week, hosting 143 area
emergency responders who received advanced training in safely handling potential rail incidents involving hazardous
materials.
"The safety train is a mobile technical training center – a vocational school – for the continuing education of first
responders and representatives of government agencies who support Norfolk Southern's commitment to incident-free handling of
hazardous materials," said David Schoendorfer, Norfolk Southern's system manager hazardous
materials. "It's a whistle-stop train that helps keep our communities safe."
Staged at the Slidell Amtrak station, the safety train attracted emergency responders from the Bogalusa Fire Department, Fort Pike Fire Department, Live Oak Manor Volunteer Fire Department, McComb Fire
Department, and St. Tammany Fire Districts 1, 3, and 4. Also attending were representatives from
the hazardous materials teams of Airgas and BASF.
"The Norfolk Southern Operations Awareness & Response course was excellent with the instructors sharing their extensive
experience and training. Proper and regular training is extremely important for us to be able to protect our citizens and our
personnel," said Captain Greg Kelly with the St. Tammany Fire
District #1 in Slidell, a 21-year fire service veteran who participated in the training with 106
members of his department. "Meeting and training with the other responders was a great opportunity to build better working
relationships."
The train is visiting 18 cities in 13 states during its inaugural tour this year. To date, more than 1,850 emergency
responders have received professional instruction on the train. At every location, emergency responders can choose from among
three days of free training that includes instructor-led and hands-on learning. The train includes two boxcars converted into
classrooms, four types of railroad tank cars used in transporting all types of chemicals, and two specially equipped flat
cars.
"Norfolk Southern has a great safety record, but in the unlikely event of a train derailment involving hazmat, we want to help
make sure the communities we serve are prepared," Schoendorfer said. "It's a best business practice to help with
preparedness."
The training is beneficial for all emergency responders, including representatives of fire departments, law enforcement,
emergency medical services, hazmat response teams, emergency management personnel, military, homeland security personnel, rail
regulators, shippers, and customers. To learn more, go to www.joinNSoar.com
and click on "Training."
The dedicated safety train is part of Norfolk Southern's "Operation Awareness and Response" initiative launched in 2015 to
educate the public about the safe movement of hazardous materials by rail and to connect emergency first responders in Norfolk
Southern communities with information and training resources. Including instruction on the train and through other course
offerings, Norfolk Southern in 2016 has trained more than 4,000 local emergency responders throughout its operating
territory.
About Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern
Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company
subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every
major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other
rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal,
automotive, and industrial products.
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SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation