CSX Provides Hand-On Training to Local Firefighters

CSX provided a hands-on training drill for Marion County, Florida Fire & Rescue firefighters responding to railroad and rail car emergencies.

A CSX line runs through Marion County roughly along Highway 301, and up to 20 trains a day operate on this track. The Florida Northern Railroad, a "short line" train, also operates two to three trains for many Marion County industries from Kendrick to Candler.

CSX Community Affairs and Safety Supervisor Katie Chimelewski, with help from a CSX engineer and conductor and in cooperation with Florida Northern, taught MCFR crews how to respond to railroads and rail equipment. Firefighters will learn how to safely secure rail equipment and extricate trapped train crewmembers as well as learn basic hazard awareness.

MCFR Training Chief Bart Walker said this type of hands-on training is unique and far exceeds what most response agencies receive. "This would not be possible if it weren't for the outstanding cooperation between CSX and Florida Northern," he said. "While rail incidents are rare, when they do occur, they present several unique and challenging situations for responders because rail equipment is very different from the vehicles firefighters normally encounter."

This drill is part of an on-going training program to better prepare MCFR's firefighters for railroad emergencies.