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Rail partners offer free Operation Lifesaver training and coordination for local responders
Summary
Union Pacific and Canadian National representatives offered free railroad-response training for local agencies and described a period without recent incidents in Dunn County; speakers urged first responders to use railroad contacts for scene safety and evidence.
Union Pacific and Canadian National railroad representatives told the Traffic Safety Commission they have had no recent incidents in Dunn County and offered free Operation Lifesaver railroad-response training to local agencies.
A Union Pacific representative said there have been no incidents since the last meeting and described a modular, free railroad investigation and safety course for law enforcement. The training — four modules of about two to four hours each — covers responding to scenes involving railroads, scene security, safe communications with railroad agents and the information needed for a crash report. The speaker said the training results in a certificate and that Union Pacific and the Canadian National agent, Russ Kolmansberger, both teach the class and can coordinate deliveries for interested agencies.
Railroad contacts encouraged agencies to reach out for joint exercises such as officer-on-a-train events, especially in areas that have seen recurring close calls. A speaker noted recurring driver behavior issues at crossings and urged continued attention to stop‑sign compliance.
Why it matters: collisions and derailments require specialized coordination with railroads; training can reduce risk to responders and improve evidence collection.
No formal actions were reported; the item was an informational offer to local agencies and emergency responders.
