Local firefighters receive railroad training from Norfolk Southern Train

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- This is how Chattanooga area first responders learn to handle dangers surrounding trains and rail lines, the Norfolk Southern Safety Train. 

 “So we are training first responders in the region on how to safely respond to rail incidents, going through different types of scenarios with them, how to read our train paperwork and just build their knowledge about railroad operations.” said David Patten, Norfolk Southern. 

 Since 2015, The program has traveled to more than 22 station networks around the country. 

 Patten explains the various scenarios that are taught during the training. 

 “The most common incident that we have, and they are involved with, is a crossing accident that may involve a vehicle or pedestrian,” said Patten. “So kind of what to expect from the railroad, some things to look out for, how to keep themselves safe while on the property. And you know what kind of resources Norfolk Southern will provide them during an incident.” 

 The train includes boxcar classrooms, tank cars, and hands-on learning for Firefighters

 Rick Boatwright with the Chattanooga Fire Department believes this training will enhance rapid  response to incidents. 

 “It is very important to us, because we may not just respond locally here in Chattanooga, we can respond anywhere in the state of Tennessee to relevance or any other type of natural disasters or man made disasters,” said Boatwright. 

 And Boatwright says in the case of a serious event on the railroads, the training will keep local firefighters educated and safe.  

 “So the training will help us protect our firefighters, as well as teach them the appropriate ways to respond to these rail events,” Boatwright concluded.