Norfolk Southern bringing rail simulator, police-themed band to World Police & Fire Games

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — June 26, 2025 — Norfolk Southern’s (NYSE: NSC) nationally recognized band, its locomotive simulator, and two of its special agents are coming to Birmingham as part of its support of the 2025 World Police & Fire Games.

The railroad’s sponsorship reflects the company’s deep-rooted commitment to fostering safer communities. Through initiatives like its Safety First Grant program, which supports local first responders and public safety organizations, Norfolk Southern invests in the same values celebrated at the Games: service, resilience, and readiness.

“Norfolk Southern police work closely with first responders to promote safety and strengthen the communities we serve in our 22-state network,” said Chris Stanley, NS Police Director. “We look forward to cheering on the athletes competing this year — including two of our own Norfolk Southern police officers — and remain thankful to the dedication of first responders around the world.”

Founded in 1985, the World Police & Fire Games are a biennial event that strives to promote physical fitness, wellness, professional development, and camaraderie among first responders.

“We’re thrilled that Norfolk Southern is teaming up with the Birmingham 2025 World Police & Fire Games,” said 2025 WPFG CEO DJ Mackovets. “Their commitment to public safety and community support mirrors what this event is all about. Having their officers compete and their team on-site supporting the Games shows that they sincerely walk the walk.”

Norfolk Southern’s participation includes:

• Norfolk Southern Lawmen Band: The company's nationally recognized musical group will perform live at the Games on June 30. The Lawmen were created by NS Police members in 1951.
• Locomotive Simulator: This hands-on experience will be featured in the Athlete’s Village, providing an interactive chance to learn about rail operations. New engineers at Norfolk Southern train on simulators like this during their classroom portion of onboarding, which help them learn the basics of starting, stopping, and operating trains over various terrains and situations.
• Two members of the NSPD: Alabama native and NS Special Agent Jay Lacy, and NSPD Regional Superintendent Eric Oliver: Lacy, a 9-year veteran of the NSPD will begin competing in the Bench Press event on July 2. Oliver, a 28-year veteran, will also be competing in the Bench Press event.
• Athlete and volunteer support: Expo table for athletes that includes ChapStick, sweat towels, key chains, and pens, and athlete and volunteer bags that include a first-aid kit.

The company has provided free training to Birmingham first responders on emergencies involving trains through its Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program. Last year, more than 5,500 first responders participated throughout the company’s 22-state network.

Additionally, as part of its ongoing community investment, Norfolk Southern awarded over $78,000 in Safety First Grant and Thriving Communities grants to Birmingham-area organizations in 2024. Through these grants, Norfolk Southern is helping equip local first responders, enhance emergency preparedness, and promote public safety education throughout the region.

Organizations can apply for their own grant on Norfolk Southern’s website.